TWO people from the Okehampton area who saved lives through organ donation were posthumously honoured at an award ceremony, earlier this month.

Paul Cooper from Inwardleigh received the award on behalf of his wife, Marilyn Cooper, a former clerk of Inwardleigh Parish Council and a founding member of Okehampton Running Club. Natalie Wonnacott from Hatherleigh received the award on behalf of her mother, Gill Davis.

They received the Order of St John award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, which was given to their families and loved ones on their behalf. Marilyn and Gill were two of 11 people from across the county recognised for saving lives through organ donation.

The private ceremony was held at the St John Ambulance building in Exeter on September 9, with the awards presented by Robin Barlow, Deputy Lieutenant.

Hundreds of families are receiving the award at regional ceremonies held across the UK between September and December. The awards recognise the 1,364 people who donated their organs after death last year, leading to thousands of patients’ lives being saved or transformed.

During 2015/16, thanks to the generosity of these donors and the support of their families, the number of deceased donors in the UK went up from 1,282 to 1,364, a rise of 6%. However, there are still around 6,500 people on the UK transplant waiting list and around three people die each day in need of an organ.

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for people in Devon to be inspired by the actions of these donors. Everyone in the UK is urged to discuss organ donation with their families and join the Organ Donor Register. One day it could be someone you love, or even you, in need of a transplant.

Roger Jacob, chair of the local County Priory Group of the Order of St John, said: ‘We’re delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Organ Donor Awards for a fourth year and to meet the inspirational families attending today’s ceremony.

‘Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have already donated their organs to assist others.

‘In 2016 around three people still die every day due to the shortage of organ donors.

‘We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring today encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register – a process which takes just a few minutes online.’

Sally Johnson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: ‘The sense of pride families feel at these ceremonies is truly inspirational.

‘Everyone I have spoken to is glad that their relative was able to be an organ donor. Families take great comfort from knowing that their loved one went on to save and improve the lives of desperately ill people.  

‘Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes. This award is a chance for us all to recognise their bravery and generosity.  We hope these awards will inspire other people in Devon to tell their families they want to be an organ donor.’

The award features the organ donation heart logo backed by the Maltese Cross — which is used by the Order of St John — above the words ‘add life, give hope’. They can be received at a regional ceremony or sent to the family privately. This is the fourth year the awards have been made. They are open to people of all faiths or of no faith.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.