A THURROCK woman whose organs were donated after her death is one of a number of people and families honoured across Essex.

The family of Nicola Rolfe, from Grays, Were on hand to receive the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.

The award was accepted on her behalf by her brother and sister David Smallbone and Donna Aylett as well as Mum, Linda Allison and children Kezlee Nairn and Callum Nairn.

Linda said: "Nicola was on the organ donor register, we hadn't discussed organ donation in great detail but we were aware of her thoughts around organ donation and agreed for her to donate.

 

"Nicola donated both of her kidneys and her heart and lungs. We know that Nicola's kidneys were received by two different gentlemen who are both doing well.

"Receiving the award on behalf of Nicola was a lovely proud moment for me and the family. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were honoured to be there."

Tony Shepherd, Head of County Priory Group Affairs for the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: "We're delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Organ Donor Awards for a seventh year and to meet the inspirational families attending the ceremonies.

"Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have already donated their organs to save other people's lives.

 

"People are still dying every day because some families are not talking about donation. We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring in Essex encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.

"It only takes two minutes to join the millions of other people who want to save lives."

 

From spring 2020, the law around organ and tissue donation in England is changing.

All adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.

Adults covered by the change will still have a choice whether they want to be an organ donor and their families will still be involved before organ donation goes ahead.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The pride families feel at these ceremonies is clear to see. Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes.

"This award is a chance for us all to recognise their bravery and generosity, and their amazing contribution to society.

 

"More and more people are supporting organ donation but there is still an urgent shortage of donors. We hope these awards will inspire other people in Essex to tell their families they want to save lives.

"Telling your family that you want to be an organ donor makes things easier at a difficult time. Families tell us donation is a source of comfort and great pride that helps families in their grieving process and we don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to donate.

 

"Please join the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family you want to save lives through organ donation."

You can join the register via the red button below.