A SELFLESS schoolboy has been honoured for helping to save lives.
Crusading heart transplant champion Max Johnson is only alive today thanks to organ donor, Keira Ball.
The nine-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a car crash but her heart has continued to beat inside the 14-year-old.
After receiving the precious lifesaving gift, Max has been campaigning to raise awareness of organ donation.
The Winsford Academy pupil spearheaded new legislation known as Max and Keira’s Law, named after him and the girl who saved his life.
Under these new rules, introduced in 2020, consent for organ donation will now be presumed unless people opt out.
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As the face of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Christmas campaign 2018, Max helped to raise more than £500,000.
Sharing his story in a BBC documentary ‘Heart Transplant – A Chance to Live’, increased organ donor registrations by 500 per cent.
Max received the British Citizen Youth Award for his achievement and commitment.
Tom Redman, from Big Bus London, presented his medal.
Max was among 25 young people from across the UK presented with this prestigious medal at the Palace of Westminster.
“I am very honoured,” said Max, who gives talks to the local community and businesses about his incredible journey.
“Without the BHF, the NHS and Keira’s family, I would not be here so this is as much for them as it is for me.
“I hope everyone reading this will make their organ donation wishes known.”
Max was only eight when he suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Until then, he was a healthy, fun-loving child.
His condition rapidly deteriorated and he spent 206 days in hospital on the urgent transplant list.
Mum-of-two Emma, 52, said: “Max was only a whisker away from dying.
“If Keira’s organ hadn’t been donated, Max wouldn’t be here now.”
Dad Paul, 49, said: “We knew he was poorly but it was only afterwards, when medical professionals said they thought he would die at any time, that it brought it home to us.
“To get as far as he did is utterly remarkable.
“Max is so positive and determined.
“He has appreciated the gravity of what he has been through as he gets older.
“He is determined to make the most of his life. He keeps himself fit and does a lot of exercise.
“He wants to help others.
“This is a wonderful honour for Max. We are so proud of him.”
Max’s family is forever indebted to Kiera and her parents Joe and Loanna.
Paul said: “It is unimaginable for any parent to be in this position.
“Joe told me that he knew Keira always wanted to help people so he knew he had made the right decision.
“He knew in his heart it is what Keira would have wanted.
“We all need to have that conversation so that our loved ones know our wishes.”
Singer and dancer Kimberly Wyatt, from The Pussycat Dolls, patron of the British Citizen Youth Award, said: “Many of these kids have faced turmoil in their own lives yet still choose to be selfless and help others.
“I applaud you and your families for your hard work and dedication.
“You are the future and your brilliant endeavours will make a difference.”
To register for organ donation visit organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision
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