Lincolnshire organ donors thanked for saving lives

People from Lincolnshire who saved lives by donating their organs have been honoured at a moving awards ceremony.

They posthumously 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.

The private award ceremony was held at Normanby Hall in Scunthorpe.

Hundreds of families are receiving the award at regional ceremonies held across the UK between September and December. The awards recognise the 1,574 people who donated their organs after death last year.

People recognised at the ceremony included:

• Karen Glean from Grimsby who received the award on behalf of her son Ben Glean from Grimsby
• Sandra Samerson from Waddingham who received the award on behalf of her husband Carl Samerson from Waddingham
• Louise Howe from Scunthorpe who received the award on behalf of her partner Gareth Nedoszytko from Scunthorpe
• Neill Bones from Brigg who received the award on behalf of his daughter Georgia Rose Bones from Brigg
• Kerry Louise Hamilton from Wyberton who received the award on behalf of her mother Glenis Rose Bird
• Daryl Brown from Cleethorpes who received the award on behalf of his wife Joan Brown from Cleethorpes
• Ian Shaw from Grimsby who received the award on behalf of his wife Julie Shaw from Grimsby
• Macie McEwan from Grimsby who received the award on behalf of her father Oliver Patrick Cousins
• William Hetherington from Stamford who received the award on behalf of his wife Wendy Hetherington

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 Lincolnshire 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.

“Please join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and tell your family you want to save lives through organ donation.”