Family members of those who posthumously saved others’ lives through organ donation gathered at The Guildhall to receive awards on behalf of their loved ones from the Order of St John.

The Order of St John has been presenting family members of organ donors with the awards since 2013. Around 89 family members of 27 organ donors were present at The Guildhall on Thursday, May 9. The 27 organ donors contributed to the healthcare of more than 80 people.

Retired Brigadier Mark Pountain, CBE, said the event has grown since its early days. Wiltshire and Hampshire families are now presented with awards together during the same ceremony, alternating yearly between Wiltshire and Hampshire-based venues.

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Mark added the event helps grieving families remember their loved ones and recognise their contribution.

He said: “I think it does help in that process of grieving.

“It helps them to feel that they’re not alone.”

Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Rose Troughton, who helped present the awards, labelled the donors’ contributions as a “selfless donations in order to save the lives of others” and that the families present deserve recognition.

Mrs Troughton added: “All of these people here have had relatives who transformed the lives of others.”