A WORCESTER man whose organ donations have helped improve the lives of several people in the UK has been honoured posthumously.

Justin Butler died in January this year aged 55 following a stroke, and the decision of whether to donate his organs came down to his wife, Cathy, and his two daughters, Amanda, 24 and Julia, 15.

Mrs Butler, who lives in the St Peter's area of Worcester, said although they had never sat down to discuss the option of organ donation in detail, the family knew it was what Justin would have wanted.

"My daughters really made the decision," she said.

"They just knew Justin would have wanted to help people however he could, and we were really surprised to find out how many people he has helped.

"His kidneys have helped two people, his heart valves and patches helped newborn babies and his corneas helped someone to see. We really take great comfort in knowing that."

Mrs Butler and her daughters recently attended an awards ceremony organised by St John Ambulance to receive the Order of St John award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.

They joined a number of other families who made the decision to donate a loved one's organs, and Mrs Butler said she would encourage everyone to make that decision.

"I would really encourage everyone to sit down and think about what they want to do. It's not a nice thing to have to think about but it's so important. There are so many people waiting for organ transplants. It's a hard decision to make for some people but it is so worth it."

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. It never ceases to amaze me just how humble people are when you speak to them about having helped to save the lives of patients who were desperately ill. I have never spoken to a single person who has ever regretted their decision to donate.

“These families deserve this honour and recognition of their life-saving gifts. We hope their bravery will inspire others to talk about their own wishes with people close to them and record their intention to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register."