THE 2024 Order of St John UK Awards for Organ Donation took place earlier this week, honouring individuals who have given the priceless gift of life through organ donation.
The awards are held throughout the UK and are run by the regional St John Priories in conjunction with their partner Organ Donation Team, who are part of NHS Blood and Transplant.
The Welsh Organ Donor Awards took place at Cornerstone in Cardiff on Tuesday, to honour donors from across Wales and the English borders.
St John Ambulance Cymru have been running the awards with the South Wales Organ Donation Team for the last decade to recognise the selfless contribution that organ donors and their families have made to help others.
32 families were reunited with members of the Organ Donation Team at the award ceremony on Tuesday 23rd April. Some of the team had personally helped families through their loved one’s organ donation process.
The awards, in the form of a pin and citation, were presented by Mrs Morfudd Meredith, HM Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan and Paul Griffiths OBE, KStJ, DL the Prior for Wales. This was followed by readings from members of NHS Blood and Transplant and a moment of reflection, led by Reverand Jason Townsend.
The Charity and Legacy Team at law firm Hugh James kindly sponsored the service, with partner Samantha Roberts attending the reception on behalf of the company. Samantha commented, “We recognise the profound impact organ donors have on the lives of recipients and their families.”
“We are immensely proud to support the Organ Donation Awards and to be part of an initiative that acknowledges and honours donors and their families for their life saving decision to save and transform lives.”
The motto of the Order of St John is Pro Fide Pro Utilitate Hominum, which translates to ‘For the Faith and in the Service of Humanity’. The Organ Donor Awards honour those who have made the ultimate service to humanity, by giving others the gift of hope.
“St John Ambulance Cymru would like to extend our thanks to everyone who came along to the service and we’d like to acknowledge our sponsors, Hugh James, for their support, which enabled us to recognise donors and their families with these awards.
“Our thoughts are with all of the families of those who were honoured at the ceremony this week.” said Nichola Couceiro, Head of Fundraising and Communications at St John Ambulance Cymru.
If you’d like to find out more about the Order of St John and the work of St John Ambulance Cymru, the first aid charity for Wales, please visit their website.
