RELATIVES of Hampshire organ donors were invited to honour their family members at an NHS award ceremony.

People from the county who saved lives through post-death organ donation received the Order of St John Award, which was given to their families on their behalf.

The private award ceremony was held at The Guildhall in Winchester.

Amongst those remembering was Tony Porter from Plaitford, who received the award on behalf of his wife Renee Porter, and Jacqueline Cronin from Southampton, who received the award on behalf of her brother Philip Howard.

Tony Shepherd, head of County Priory Group Affairs for the Priory of England and the Islands 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 sixth year and to meet the inspirational families attending the ceremonies.

"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 save other people’s lives.

"People are still dying every day because some families are not talking about donation. "We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring in Hampshire encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.

"It only takes two minutes to join the millions of other people who want to save lives."

The importance of organ donation was emphasised at the event.

Those wishing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register can sign up at www.organdonation.nhs.uk.

Anthony Clarkson, interim director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The pride families feel at these ceremonies is inspirational. 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, and their amazing contribution to society.

"More and more people are supporting organ donation but there is still an urgent shortage of donors. We hope these awards will inspire other people in Hampshire to tell their families they want to save lives. "Telling your family what you want makes things easier at a difficult time. Families tell us donation is a source of pride that helps families in their grieving process and we don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to donate."