People from Oxfordshire who saved lives through the gift of organ donation have been posthumously honoured at a moving award ceremony.

Eight donors were recognised with the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation which was given to their families and loved ones on their behalf.

The private award ceremony was held at Wesley Memorial Church, on New Inn Hall Street in Oxford.

People recognised at the ceremony included Joyce Marian Brown from Abingdon, Elizabeth Houldey from East Hanney, Alexandra Roberts from Hook Norton, Susan Emery-Lace from Long Hanborough, Joyce Carter from Carterton, Michael John Parslow from Bicester and Rosslyn Brown also from Bicester

Anthony Brown who received the award on behalf of his wife Rosslyn, said: "The nurses and doctors who cared for Ros were fantastic, they did everything they could to revive Ros, and to support us to achieve her wishes at a very difficult time.

"As consequence of her selfless decision, she has both saved lives, and enhanced the quality the life for others.

"We are so very proud to have attended the ceremony at Oxford, and to receive the Order of St John on her behalf."

Wayne Carter from Carterton who received the award on behalf of his wife, Joyce, said “My wife was so passionate about organ donation and that’s why it was so important that I carried out her wishes.

"The kids and I are so proud that she could help the lives of others even at the lowest point of our life.”

Despite an 11 per cent rise in the number of organ donors there are still around 6,100 people on the UK transplant waiting list and around three people die each day in need of an organ.

Tony Shepherd of the Order of St John said: "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 Oxford encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register."

For more information on becoming a donor visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk