FAMILIES are being urged to join the organ donor register and give the gift of life this Christmas.

The call comes as an organ donor from Clacton was posthumously honoured for helping to save the lives of others in need of a vital transplant.

Victor Cromarty, from Clacton, died suddenly at Colchester Hospital in January, aged 68.

But he gave the gift of life to others after donating his organs.

Daughter Kym picked up a special Order of St John award for Organ Donation on his behalf at a special ceremony in Bury St Edmunds.

Joanna Spicer, chairman of the Priory Group of the Order of St John, which presented the award, said: “With thousands of people in the UK in need of a transplant, we felt it was important to say thank you to the families whose loved ones have already donated their organs. These families are an inspiration to all.

“With about three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs, we hope these families’ pride will encourage many more to follow in their footsteps and agree to become an organ donor.”

NHS Blood and Transplant and the Order of St John said they are both keen to recognise the incredible gift that donors and their families have made by donating their organs to save and improve the lives of others.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register go to organ donation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323 or text SAVE to 62323.