PEOPLE who have given the ultimate gift through organ donation have been honoured posthumously at an award ceremony in York.

The Order of St John award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, has been presented to the families and loved ones of 13 people who saved and improved people's lives through organ donation.

The private award ceremony was held at the National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate, York on November 3with the awards presented by the Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Barry Dodds CBE.

People recognised at the ceremony in York included: Philip Haste from Yarm who received the award on behalf of his daughter Joanne Louise Weldon; Dawn Flynn from Leyburn who received the award on behalf of her son Michael Arnold; Lorraine Orton from Saltburn by the Sea who received the award on behalf of her mother Brenda Orton; and Eileen Robinson from Strensall, York who received the award on behalf of her son Adrian Philip Robinson.

Not attending the ceremony, but awarded by post include: David Ronald Martin from Guisborough who received the award on behalf of his mother Margaret Martin; Frederick William Woodall from Richmond who received the award on behalf of his wife Patricia Mary Woodall; and Maria Landers from Whitby who received the award on behalf of her son Kyle Marsden Gibson.

David James, chairman of the local County Priory Group of the Order of St John, 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."

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