SINGAPORE - Twenty-four pairs of either married couples or family members at an appreciation event on Sunday shared a special bond - they had all given the gift of love, an organ, to a family member.

The event, held ahead of Valentine's Day, was organised by the National Universtiy Centre for Organ Transplantation to mark the festival of love, and Organ Donor Day, which also falls on Feb 14.

The centre also celebrated 50 successful kidney and liver transplants between spouses, the last of which was performed last month. "It is especially meaningful this year that we honour 50 Valentine couples who have given an organ to save their loved one from organ failure as we celebrate our nation's 50th birthday," said the co-director of the centre, Professor A Vathsala, who is the main kidney transplant physician.

Before a buffet lunch for some 140 guests, several pairs of family members shared their success stories, and tears were shed during a surprise tribute speech and photo montage. Donors and recipients also hung messages on locks which they affixed onto a heart-shaped ornament as a symbol of their love for each other.