The widow of Penryn man Christopher Cobb whose kidneys were used to help save the lives of others following his death earlier this year, has been presented with an award on his behalf.

Wendy Cobb, of West Street, was accompanied by two of her daughters, Christine Mitchell and Donna Cobb, when she collected the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation. The award, which is run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Col Edward Bolitho.

Mr Cobb was 69 when he died quite unexpectedly in March, but had left strict instructions that his organs should be donated. "It is something we both wanted to do," said Mrs Cobb. "I personally think that it is something that should be made law.

"I know some people think taking organs is a bad thing, but when you die if you're buried it's going to rot away or if cremated everything is burned so why not do a good thing? You cannot take them with you."

Knowing her husband's two kidneys were donated to two people in dire need has brought comfort to Mrs Cobb. "It makes me feel very proud," she said. "When you lose somebody it's bad enough, but knowing someone else has been helped and that has brought a little bit of happiness to another family, that makes you feel a little better. We all know we are going to die, but I feel he has not died for nothing. He has helped someone out."

Mrs Cobb, who has a third daughter, Beverley Hutt, along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, was delighted to receive the award on behalf of her husband. It was presented at a reception held at the St John Ambulance building in Truro which was attended by families of other donors from across Cornwall.

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for people in Cornwall to be inspired by the actions of these donors. Everyone in the UK is urged to discuss organ donation with their families and join the organ donor register.

Bob Sturland, chair of the local County Priory Group of the Order of St John, said: "We're delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Organ Donor Awards for a fourth year and to meet the inspirational families attending today's ceremony. Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have already donated their organs to assist others.

"In 2016 around three people still die every day due to the shortage of organ donors. We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring today encourages many others to join the NHS organ donor register– a process which takes just a few minutes online."

To join the register go to organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.