A security guard who gave the gift of life to his step-daughter could be in line for a special bravery award, it was revealed yesterday.

Jacob (Jack) Trott gave a kidney to Deborah Brown at the age of 70.

It is believed to be the first time the Bermuda Bravery Awards Association has considered an organ donor for recognition.

Mr. Trott, of Somerset, was considered by the Association for an award after a report from the hospital which carried out the operation, Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.

A report from a surgeon said Mr. Trott -- at an age when many people were worried about their own failing health -- "enthusiastically and fearlessly'' offered his kidney to step-daughter Deborah Brown, who was in the final stages of kidney failure and reliant on kidney dialysis treatment.

The report added that anyone -- especially a non-blood relative -- who acted with "no direct personal benefit so a loved one can benefit is truly heroic''.

Mr. Trott -- after a battery of tests -- was operated on at Johns Hopkins in April this year. Both he and Ms Brown are doing well.

Businessman Mark Selley, who runs the awards scheme with Police Chief Insp.

Phil Every, declined to discuss the likelihood of awards.

But he confirmed a member of the public had nominated Mr. Trott for one of the awards.

He said: "It's the first time we have had a nomination for something of this nature.'' But he said: "The awards exist to recognise people who save life or endeavour to save life. Our motto is recognising heroism by our citizens.'' Mr. Selley said the 13-strong awards committee meets several times throughout the year to consider nominations, made on forms obtainable from Post Offices and Police stations.

The final meeting is next week, and around seven winners are expected to receive their awards at a ceremony at Government House on October 28.

The Bermuda Bravery Association -- a registered charity -- was set up in 1967 to pay tribute to Bermudians who showed conspicuous courage, with the exception of those who showed heroism as a result of criminal activity, who have a separate award.

But Mr. Selley said interest dwindled throughout the 1980s and the Association was almost dead in the water when he and Ch. Insp. Every breathed new life into it in the past few years.

Mr. Selley -- the holder of the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour for his community work -- said: "The awards were so good and beneficial -- I felt it was vital to bring them back into the public eye.'' HEALTH HTH