A woman has been honoured posthumously for helping to save the lives of others by becoming an organ donor.
Mary Gaffrey, of Hounslow , was recognised for giving the 'ultimate gift of life', at a ceremony organised by the Order of St John charity and NHS Blood and Transplant.
The award was received on her behalf by her cousin Philomena at the Priory Church of the Order of St John in Clerkenwell last Tuesday (October 13), where other relatives were also present.
Hundreds of families from across the UK have been invited to regional ceremonies between September and December to receive awards in memory of their loved ones.
Ann Cable, a member of the London County Priory Group of the Order of St John who has organised the London ceremonies with NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is also vitally important to say thank you to the families whose loved ones have already donated their organs to assist others.
"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."
The awards, now in their third year, come after the number of deceased organ donors in the UK fell in the UK during 2014/15 for the first time in 11 years.
More than 21 million people in the UK have already signed the NHS Organ Donor Register, agreeing to donate their organs and/or tissue for transplants after their death.
* To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.
