PEOPLE from Hillingdon and Ealing boroughs, who saved lives through the gift of organ donation, were 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.

Thousands of families are receiving the award across the UK, at regional ceremonies or privately.

 

Bethany Horchover, 16, from Ruislip

The award was accepted on her behalf by her father, Neil.

He said  “My father died in 2020 and many decisions had to be made by myself and my brother.  With this in mind, my wife and I decided to have a conversation with our children about our wishes.

“The family conversation went through personal thoughts on burial or cremation, types of funerals and why we both thought organ donation is important.

“Both our children were surprised that, no matter what the person says, the decision to allow organs to be used is ultimately made by the next of kin. 

“I remember Bethany saying ‘Why would anyone want to keep the organs? You don’t need to use them any more’.  

 “In November 2021, Bethany had a cold that developed into sinusitis. Over the weekend, we watched the Chelsea match and Formula 1 on TV, and she was making plans with her friends to see them at school the following week.

“However, a parent’s worst fear happened when an intense headache on the Monday got progressively worse overnight, resulting in a 999 call. Bethany lost consciousness and was transferred the next day from our local hospital to Great Ormond Street.

“Bethany never regained consciousness and we were told her brain had a sudden acute infection which had left her with no signs of brain activity.  

“While waiting for the brain stem test, that would officially conclude no brain function, our minds went back to the family conversation.

“While we would always have made the decision to donate her organs, to know with 100 per cent certainty that it was what she would have wished, made it a bit easier. 

“As parents we are heartbroken at the death of our daughter but honoured and proud that she has helped others live.”

 

Dr Kevin David Howe, 61, from Ealing 

The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife, Jeannette, and mother Marlene. Jeannette said: “I have been on the organ donor register since I started driving and have always carried the card with me.

“Kevin was a pharmacist and worked in medicines development and production. He was a very bright and intellectual man, but chose not to talk about organ donation.

“Sadly, he had cardiovascular disease. He suffered a heart attack in April 2021, from which he did not recover.

“When I was approached about organ donation I was also informed that Kevin, unbeknown to me, had joined the organ donor register.

“I was so pleased to be told this. It meant we could support organ donation based on his active choice.  

“It was  shocking to lose Kevin so suddenly and we lost him way too young. His choice of organ donation brought some comfort. I really feel it is important for families to discuss their thoughts about organ donation.

“I know the law has changed. However, it is so much easier for your loved ones if they already know your thoughts on organ donation.” 

 

Jayshriben Shah, 67, from Northolt

The award was accepted on her behalf by her daughter, Dimple Shah.

Dimple said: “Mum suffered a brain haemorrhage very suddenly and very unexpectedly and was rushed to hospital late one evening in September 2021.

“Scans were arranged to determine the damage caused to Mum’s brain and, as a doctor, I knew from looking over them the outlook was not good.

“Mum was able to donate her liver, heart valves and corneas, helping numerous people. The recipient of her liver has also written to us, which brings us some comfort.”

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The pride families feel at these moving ceremonies truly is inspirational.

“Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society.”

www.organdonation.nhs.uk