A Stepping Hill Hospital ophthalmology technician and her family have been given an award in recognition of her daughter’s noble gesture - donating her organs after her tragic death.

Karen Broadbent, technician who has worked at the hospital for over 14 years, received the Order of St John Award in a service at the Elm Bank Centre in Eccles, together with other families who had lost loved ones who had joined the organ donor register.

Karen’s daughter Emily worked as a carer, and was much loved by her family and friends. She was only 26 when, in May 2024, she sadly suffered a major heart attack which proved fatal.

Emily was brought into the emergency department (A&E) at Stepping Hill Hospital – the same hospital where Karen worked.

When Karen and husband Frank were informed of the tragic news, they were also told Emily was on the organ register, as she wanted to help others after her death. National rules state that families still need to give consent in this instance. 

Timeliness in organ donation is vital; surgeons need to act quickly for the organs to be used.

Karen and Frank gave their consent to Emily’s wishes, and surgical teams were able to save her organs to help others.

Emily donated her lungs, two kidneys, and also her heart, which meant helping save the lives of four other people.

The Order of St John UK Award for Organ Donation honours the incredible gift donors and their families in the UK make by donating their organs to save and improve the lives of others. The award was launched by the international humanitarian charity the Order of St John and NHS Blood and Transplant in 2013, and are granted by the Duke of Gloucester.

Karen said;  “Emily was the most beautiful selfless daughter always putting others first and that continued in her death. We are so proud Emily has given others the chance to live life again and a little part of her lives on in all those she helped.”

Andrew Loughney, Medical Director of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital,  said; “Transplant surgery can only take place when people make the bravest of choices. Emily wanted to help others and in making her organ donation wishes known before her tragic death, she has made a massive difference to other people’s lives. Getting the support of family members is also a crucial part of the transplant process so Karen and Frank truly deserve their Order of St John award. It is a fitting tribute both to Emily’s memory and to their own kindness.”

If you want to help others live after your death, and join the NHS Organ Donor register, visit https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/