A DAUGHTER has received a medal on behalf of her organ donor mother.

Lisa Turner, from Basingstoke, has received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation on behalf of her mother Pauline Thorpe, also from Basingstoke.

At an award ceremony held in Winchester, Lisa was among those families and loved ones to be presented on behalf of those who have saved the lives of others through the gift of organ donation.

Lisa said “My mum donated her kidneys, lungs and liver and was able to help four people. She joined the organ donor register only a few weeks before she died while she was reapplying for her driving licence just before her 70th birthday. She was so proud of herself when she got her donor card.

“Whilst we had the worst Christmas ever in 2017 our mum was able to give four people the best Christmas present of all, life and hope. She will forever be our hero.”

The awards, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, recognise the 1,574 people who donated their organs after death last year, leading to thousands of patients' lives being saved or transformed.

The award memento 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’.

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.

During 2017/18, the number of deceased donors in the UK went up from 1,413 to 1,574, a rise of 11 per cent and the highest number ever in the UK. There are now more than 25m people on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

However, there are still around 6,100 people on the UK transplant waiting list and around three people die each day in need of an organ.

Tony Shepherd, head of County Priory Group Affairs for the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “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.”

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, go to organdonation.nhs.uk.