FAMILIES whose loved ones became organ donors saving lives when they died have urged others to sign up to donate.

They were posthumously honoured at an awards ceremony for the actions of their relatives.

And they have backed the Oxford Mail campaign to urge more people to become organ donors which has seen thousands more sign up in the last few months.

New figures reveal five people in Oxfordshire died last year before receiving the transplant they needed.

Kate Day-Dawson (pictured) from Wytham, near Oxford, was one of the family members who accepted an award on behalf of her husband Hugh Pudsey Dawson, who died aged 69 in February from a brain haemorrhage.

Oxford Mail: Kate Day-Dawson

Mrs Day-Dawson said: "It was quite sudden. We were at a friend's house and Hugh was in the garden when he collapsed.

"He was on a life support machine for two days but did not survive.

"I knew Hugh was an organ donor – he told me he was a long time before and of course I wanted to follow his wishes.

"Hugh donated his liver and kidneys and it's a comfort to know that it has helped to save the lives of three people including a woman with young children.

"My husband was a stalwart of village life and was always helping people so being an organ donor is an extension of the way he lived his life.

"I would urge people to sign up to become an organ donor because it can make such a big difference."

Oxford Mail: Martin Shepherd. Picture by Jon Lewis

Father-of-one Martin Shepherd (pictured), 69, from Botley, Oxford, accepted the award on behalf of his wife Jenny Shepherd who died last year after suffering a stroke.

Mr Shepherd, who works as a driver for a local garage, said: "There was no warning. Jenny was quite healthy before she died.

"Then I was told she was an organ donor – I hadn't realised.

"They told me it was my choice but I had to go with Jenny's wishes and there were two recipients for liver and kidney transplants and I know Jenny's kindness has saved the lives of others.

"When the dust settled the first thing I did was become an organ donor myself and I would urge others to do the same."

Elizabeth Potter from Witney accepted the award on behalf of her husband Philip Anslow, 63, who suffered motor neurone disease and died last year.

Mr Anslow was a neuroradiologist consultant at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

His daughter Kate Sutton, 36, from Witney, said her father thought it would not be an option for him to be an organ donor because of his condition but that was not the case.

Oxford Mail: Philip Anslow with daughter Kate Sutton

She added: "Two middle-aged men are now able to continue with their lives thanks to kidney transplants.

"Families should discuss organ donation because it is a difficult thing to contemplate when you are grieving.

"I know my father would have been incredibly pleased that his actions had helped to save lives.

"Throughout his career he saved lives and his last actions saved lives too – that's an incredible thing to be able to do.

"I would very much like to back the Oxford Mail campaign urging people to sign up to be an organ donor."

The Order of St John granted the awards for Organ Donation, in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, at a ceremony held at the Bodleian Library.

James Macnamara, chairman of the Oxfordshire County Priory Group 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 assist others.

"In 2016 around three people still die every day due to the shortage of organ donors.

"We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring today encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register – a process which takes just a few minutes online.’

Sally Johnson, director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The sense of pride families feel at these ceremonies is truly inspirational.

"Everyone I have spoken to is glad that their relative was able to be an organ donor. Families take great comfort from knowing that their loved one went on to save and improve the lives of desperately ill people.

"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. "