A KILWINNING woman who donated her organs to help others has been given a posthumous award after death in recognition of her kind act.

Eileen Wilson, who lost her battle with MS aged 63 gifted a longer life to four strangers when she passed away last year after 30 years living with MS.

And now Eileen has been sent an Order of St John award after death – an order of chivalry of the Crown which recognises the help organ donors have brought to complete strangers lives.

Widower Hugh Wilson told the Times a letter from the NHS, explaining how signing up as an organ donor helped four others on the waiting list, brought them great comfort after the sudden loss.

Irvine Times:

And since then Hugh told how a lady in her 50s who received the rare gift of a double lung transplant, sent a letter expressing her gratitude for the gift ahead of being sent the Royal recognition.

Hugh said: “It’s something nice for the family to have the Order of St John. It all adds up to our nice memories of her.

“Don’t assume that your organs won’t be acceptable because Eileen had MS and although she signed up a long time ago she didn’t think her organs would be any use to anyone so people shouldn’t assume that.

“When you see the effect organ donation can have on other people’s lives it really brings it home. I know we’re moving to an opt out system soon but even then the family are always consulted when taking organs. It’s not a situation any family wants to be in.”

Mandy, who received Eileen’s lungs wrote: “Thanks to your loved one, I received the precious gift of new lungs. I was on the transplant list for 2.5 years.

“Thanks to your loved one my life has been transformed. I have my life and my independence back.

“I have learned to not take anything for granted and am thankful for this second chance at life. I hope you can take some comfort knowing what a huge difference this has made to me and my family.”

On receiving the thanks, Hugh added: “It was an amazing letter and beautifully written and special for all the family. It’s amazing that it has made such a difference to that persons life.

“The family had a wee chuckle as she talked about now being able to run up stairs but obviously that was something Eileen couldn’t do with her MS, so that was quite nice.”