TWO Basingstoke men, who gave the gift of life following their deaths, have been honoured at a special award ceremony.

Colin Dew and Robbie Fraser, who both passed away last year, donated organs to others.

The Order of St John award for organ donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant was presented to the partners of Mr Dew and Mr Fraser at a private ceremony in Winchester. They were among 14 individuals from across Hampshire being honoured at the event.

Tim Weale, chair of the local County Priory Group of the Order of St John, said: “Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is also vitally important to say thank you to the families whose loved ones have already donated their organs to assist others.

“With around three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs, these donors and their families have carried out an inspirational act to help others to live.”

Mr Dew was a much-loved local man who dedicated 25 years of his life to teaching people in the town how to swim.

He suffered a stroke, and sadly the Basingstoke Bluefins swimming coach died of a brain haemorrhage on August 28 last year at the age of 66.

He left behind two daughters, Alison and Laura, and his wife Marion, who collected the posthumous award at the ceremony.

Father-of-three Robbie, a popular local businessman and stalwart of the music scene, died at the age of 43 in April last year following a road accident. His partner, Becky Hay, collected the award on his behalf.

Sally Johnson, director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We launched this award scheme last year and were overwhelmed by the pride and experiences shared by the hundreds of families who accepted the award on their loved one’s behalf.

“I have never spoken to a single person who has ever regretted their decision to donate their loved one’s organs.”