A LIFESAVER has been honoured with a special award after giving the gift of life to someone after she died.

Organ donor Joanne Yates has been posthumously honoured with The Order of St John award for Organ Donation after she saved and improved the lives of others by gifting her organs after her death.

The award, which only started recognising people two years ago from CPG and NHS Blood and Transplant, was presented to her husband, Richard Yates, at a private award ceremony held at Old Shire Hall, in Warwick, on November 12, by Tim Cox Esq, Lord Lieutenant for Warwickshire, and Lady Hughes, Deputy Lieutenant for Worcestershire.

The Reverend John Davis, chairman of Warwickshire and Worcestershire CPG said: “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. We hope the example they have set will encourage many more to follow in their footsteps and agree to become an organ donor.”

Sally Johnson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The Order of St John award scheme has been running for the last two years. We have been overwhelmed by the pride and experiences shared by the hundreds of families who have 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 to mark their loved ones life-saving gifts. We hope their bravery will inspire others to talk about their own decision with people close to them and record their intention to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register."

A total of 1,282 organ donors died last year across the UK and helped someone else carry on their life and the families of last those donors have all been invited to receive the award, displaying the words ‘add life, give hope’, at regional ceremonies, which run until the end of the year, or have the award sent to them privately.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.