Residents of Ealing and Northolt have posthumously been given the Order of St John Award for saving lives through organ donation. 

Dr Kevin David Howe, 61, from Ealing and Jayshriben Shah, 67, from Northolt have both received the award for having saved lives via their organ donations. 

The award was launched in 2013 and is awarded to families of those who have donated their organs after their death by invitation. 

Howe's award was accepted by his wife Jeanette and mother Marlene, and Jeanette 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. 

"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." 

Shah's award was accepted by her daughter, Dimple Shah, and she 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."