A BRIDGWATER mum who died suddenly at the age of 32 has been honoured at an awards ceremony for organ donors.

Sarah Groves, who gave the ultimate gift of life by donating her organs, received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, which was presented to her son, Connor, aged ten, and five-year-old daughter, Ruby.

A ceremony was held at St John Ambulance’s office in Bridgwater with the awards presented by John Roberts, chair of the local County Priory Group of the Order of St John.

Sarah’s mum, Christine Groves, said: “They’re both so proud of what their mother has done but both obviously miss her a lot.

“As a family we’re still trying to come to terms with it.”

Sarah died at Musgrove Park Hospital in January and her organs have since been used to help those in need of transplants.

Last year, between April 2013 and March 2014, saw the largest ever number of deceased organ donors as the families of 1,320 people in the UK agreed to donate their loved ones’ organs, leading to thousands of patients' lives being saved or transformed.

Director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, Sally Johnson, said: “We launched this award scheme last year and were overwhelmed by the pride and experiences shared by the families who accepted the award on their loved one’s behalf.

“It never ceases to amaze me just how humble people are when you speak to them about having helped to save the lives of patients who were desperately ill. I have never spoken to a single person who has ever regretted their decision to donate.

“These families deserve this honour and recognition of their life-saving gifts. We hope their bravery will inspire others to talk about their own wishes with people close to them and record their intention to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.”