AN emotional cricket match hopes to inspire families to save more lives by becoming organ donors.

Heart transplant champion Max Johnson was a mascot at the England and Wales Transplant Cricket Team when they played against Barnton on Sunday.

The 11-year-old Winsford schoolboy bowled the entire first over and even had a go at fielding after some tuition from the team.

Max, who spearheaded a landmark change in organ donation, was given a team kit and honorary cap as he made his cricket debut.

Northwich Guardian:

Winsford heart transplant champion Max Johnson wearing honorary kit playing with the England and Wales Transplant Cricket Club

New legislation known as Max and Keira's law, after Max and the girl who saved his life, comes into effect next year. From spring 2020 consent for organ donation will be presumed unless people opt out.

Jo Windridge, club manager of England and Wales Transplant Cricket Club, said: "Your family still gets the final say so it is important that people have that conversation now so your loved ones can honour your wishes.

"There is a huge need for transplants. People die every day and it doesn't need to be that way."

Jo's partner Robin Watson, a member of the cricket team, had a kidney transplant when he was only 25.

"To see our players and Max whose lives have all been changed by a transplant is so emotive.

"It was an absolutely amazing day, Max was a complete superstar and so inspiring.

"He did such a great job, we let him bowl the whole first over. We hope he will be part of the team when he is 16.

"It was so lovely to see Max running round the field with a huge smile on his face. He is just so bubbly and a fun character, when you think of all the things he has been through. It was a pleasure and honour to be in his company."

Northwich Guardian:

England and Wales Transplant Cricket Club gave heart transplant boy Max Johnson a team kit and honorary cap

Max was only eight when he suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Kiera Ball, from Devon, was nine when she was involved in a car accident. Her organs saved four lives including Max, who received her heart.

A raffle raised almost £250 for Inspired by Keira, a charity set up by Keira's parents Joe and Loanna to support families who have to travel long distances to visit their children in hospital.

Max's mum Emma, 49, said: "It was surreal and inspiring to see Max playing cricket with 11 other transplant recipients, all possible because of the generosity of organ donors and their families. Twelve miracles in one place.

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"It was a joy that Keira's grandmother Frances and her husband Steve and Keira's young cousin Jamie joined us to watch the cricket.

"Max hopes to learn cricket properly now after his first taster."

Max's grandads Nigel Johnson and Anthony Taylor were delighted to watch him make his debut.

How to become an organ donor