Daughter of Whitehaven man accepts posthumous award for his organ donation

Gavin Relph of Whitehaven died on July 16, 2020; a terrible loss to his whole family, particularly his daughter Aaliyah who was 9 years old at the time.

Gavin had registered himself as an organ donor and this month his family were invited to an event in Preston to thank them for Gavin's act of kindness.

The event was held at The Exchange Conference Centre in Preston on Tuesday, October 4 for the Order of St John Ceremony. 

His daughter Aaliyah was chosen to come and accept the award whilst the family watched on. 

Gavin's family accept the posthumous award at Preston (Image: Newsquest)

There were around twenty other families invited whose late loved ones had chosen to donate their organs. 

Dave Relph, Gavin's father, said: "The awards ceremony was held in Preston in October for roughly around twenty families to receive acknowledgement from St John's Organ Donation Programme.

"It was to honour donors who had donated vital organs to help other people live.

"My granddaughter Aaliyah, who is now eleven, received the certificate and medal on her dad's behalf, a posthumous medal two years after his death in acknowledgement for donating his organs. 

READ MORE: Tribute to 37-year-old Whitehaven man Gavin Relph

"It was a very moving night, and everybody was made to feel very welcome.

"It was a very proud moment out of the tragedy of losing my son for him to be acknowledged for his organ donation. It was a good night enjoyed by all."

In a previous interview with The Whitehaven News soon after Gavin's death his brother Daryl explained how Gavin had a love for life. 

He said that he enjoyed his work, had many friends and lived for his daughter Aaliyah. 

Daryl had said: "He doted on his daughter. She was his reason for living. He was always out doing stuff with her. Whenever he got to see her he was at his happiest.

"He would always call her his princess."