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

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

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Edith Corlett's award accepted on her behalf by husband Edward Corlett

Hundreds of families are receiving the award at regional ceremonies held across the UK between April and September.

The awards recognise the 1,619 people who donated their organs after death in 2018, leading to thousands of patients' lives being saved or transformed.

The private award ceremony was held at Chester Town Hall.

People recognised included:

Julie Buxton from Runcorn. The award was accepted on her behalf by her husband Peter Buxton.

Kerri Ann Watt from Ellesmere Port. The award was accepted on her behalf by her father Melvyn Swannick.

Barry Thornhill from Runcorn. The award was accepted on his behalf by his son husband Daniel Thornhill.

Edith Corlett from Neston. The award was accepted on her behalf by her husband Edward Corlett.

Deborah Spark from Chester. The award was accepted on her behalf by her father John Spark.

Gina Morgan from Winsford. The award was accepted on her behalf by her mother Carole Brandreth.

Ian Seel from Ellesmere Port. The award was accepted on his behalf by his partner Lorraine Barlow.

Philip Bailey from Chester. The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Michelle Bailey.

Richard Marsh from Kelsall. The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Rachel Marsh.

During 2018, thanks to the generosity of these donors and the support of their families, the number of deceased donors in the UK went up from 1,492 to 1,619 a rise of 8.5%.

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."

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."

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.