Awards ceremony recognise those who saved lives with organ donations

They received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, which was given to their families and loved ones.

The private ceremony was held at Leeds Civic Hall in September, and details have now been made public.

One of the 30 donors honoured was father-of-four Paul Thompson.

Paul, 49, who lived in Leeds, died on the day he attended a scan to see his fourth child for the first time in 2019.

His family agreed to organ and tissue donation, saving the lives of up to nine others.

L-R: Paul's daughter Isabella, his mum Pat, daughter Ava, son Andre and wife Lisa (Image: Thompson family)

His widow Lisa said: “Paul was ecstatic and was so happy to become a dad again. But when he didn’t come home that evening, I knew something bad had happened.

“The hospital asked about organ donation, we thought he’d like that, being the person he was – always wanting to help others.”

Paul's family at the ceremony (Image: Thompson family)

Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, added: “It is so important to recognise organ donors. Ut was an inspiration to meet their families.

“Organ donation saves lives, and it is a privilege to be able to say thank you.”