A KNOWLE dad has been who saved lives through the gift of organ donation has been posthumously honoured.
Trevor Knight 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 accolade honours the incredible gift donors and their families in the UK make by donating their organs to save and improve the lives of others.
Trevor’s was awarded the honour after both his kidneys and his liver were donated following his death.
The 57-year-old’s award was accepted on his behalf by his daughter Elizabeth Green and family.
Elizabeth said: “The ceremony was a well organised event and it was an honour to receive the award on behalf of Dad.
“Organ donation was not something we had ever discussed with him but through his death Dad was able to help three people by donating both his kidney and his liver, we are so proud of him.”
The Order of St John Award for Organ Donation 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’. The award can be received at a regional ceremony or sent to the family privately.
They are open to people of all faiths or of no faith.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The pride families feel at these moving ceremonies truly is inspirational.
“Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society.
“We hope these awards will inspire other people in the West Midlands to tell their families they want to save lives.
“Being clear with your family about what you want makes things easier at a difficult time, leave them certain about your organ donation decision. Families say donation is a source of pride that helps them in their grief and we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to donate and save lives.”
Even though the law around organ donation has changed to an opt out system, it is important that people know that families will still be consulted.
For more information about organ donation, or to register your organ donation decision, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
NHS app users can also use the service to record, check or update their organ donation decision.
