A touching tribute to those who have given the gift of life to others after their deaths has been unveiled at Broomfield Hospital.

The General Intensive Care Unit team welcomed families and friends of those who donated organs to the hospital to reveal a tree of life - an ornate display featuring leaves commemorating each donor.

More than 50 relatives of 25 people who have donated organs over the past eights years attended the unveiling ceremony.

Emma Mulcahy, senior sister for critical care at Broomfield Hospital, said: “It was a fitting and emotional tribute to their loved ones.

“We have chosen this tree as a symbol of generosity and of new life.

“Each of the leaves not only represents the lives lost, but the generosity given selflessly to help others in our community and nation.

“We also hope that the tree will inspire and support other families who find themselves in such devastating circumstances with the hardest of decisions to make.”

It is hoped the memorial can inspire others to give the gift of life.

Ms Mulcahy said: “Across the UK, more than 6,000 people are in need of a transplant. For most, transplant is their only chance of recovery, but every day, three people will die waiting.”

The ceremony took place on Monday, January 15.