In pictures and video: Jasper Carrott speaks from the heart at new donor memorial

"Those were the words of Birmingham comedian Jasper Carrott at the unveiling of City Hospital's memorial area for organ donors.

Jasper spoke to 15 families at the event on Wednesday, explaining how his wife Hazel, who he has been married to for more than four decades, donated an organ to their daughter Lucy Davis in 1997.

Lucy underwent a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with kidney failure.

He recalled the day the operation took place, saying: "I remember I was actually doing at show at the NEC in Brum when the operation was taking place. It was an emotional and traumatic time.

"My wife donated her kidney to my daughter and I'm pleased to say that she has been very healthy since.

"She has followed to the letter what doctors have told her to do in order to look after it, and it has meant she has had a life and incredible career.

"She is a glowing example of having a successful transplant, and although my experience may not have been as dramatic as what no doubt a lot of you have been through here today - I can relate."

Hospital bosses and families were touched by Jasper's personal recollection, yet it wasn't long before he got the crowds laughing with a touch a humour too.

"Whenever my daughter was a little more irritable after the transplant we would say it was the transplant causing the menopause," he joked.

Lucy, now aged 42, has since gone on to star in noteable film and TV roles including The Office and zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead.

The ceremony saw a heart shaped stone monument, plaque and seated reflection area revealed in honour of the organ donors and their families.

With National Transplant Week currently underway, family members were keen to re-iterate the importance of speaking to loved ones about organ donation.

Christine Rock, from West Bromwich, who lost her husband, John in 2011 at the age of 69 spoke of how she knew her family had to fulfil his wishes.

She said: "Four years ago my husband had a stroke and was taken into hospital but sadly didn't pull through.

"He always carried a donor card with him, so although it was a trying time for us and especially our daughter, we were always aware of his wishes and wanted to fulfil them.

"His heart tissue went on to save five neonatal babies.

"To be able to come here today and see so many families who were in a similar position to us has been lovely.

"Jasper was incredibly touching and down to earth too."

Following his speech 70-year-old Jasper took time to speak to each family, before posing for pictures beside the monument, where family members also placed flowers.

Inscribed on the stone were the words 'A gift of life' with the quote on the bench saying - 'Words are not always necessary - comfort comes from the meeting of hearts.'

Dr John Bleasdale, clinical lead for organ donation at the hospital, said: "This monument celebrates the people who said 'I do' to organ donation.

"We are eternally grateful to them and their families and this can be a place for them to sit, reflect and contemplate as well as a being a mark of remembrance.

"We want to encourage better communication between families about speaking about organ donation.

"I am sure that is it is discussed more than families will be more open to saying yes."

The National Transplant Week campaign is encouraging people to say 'I do' to organ donation.

The national campaign is focussing on '7 Days to Say I Do', which aims to encourage people to discuss their decision about organ donation with those closest to them.

Donors can make the decision to declare donation after their death or by giving a living donation by choosing to donate a kidney, a small section of liver or discarded bone from a hip or knee replacement.

Every year across the country around a thousand people die waiting for a transplant.

However, only four per cent of people regularly give blood and only a third have joined the organ donor register.

For more information visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk