“A CHEEKY boy who was always smiling” is how his family remember him, but Alex Jackson gave the lasting gift of life which ensured his kind spirit will live on.

The 18-year-old did not tell anyone he was an organ donor.

It was only after the horrific car crash which claimed his life that the family found out in the most awful circumstances.

The teenage footballer, from Brighton, was killed in a car crash nearly one year ago but he is survived by his determined family who are now working to raise funds and awareness to honour his memory.

They have set up the Al’s Wishes campaign and are hoping to promote organ donation, as well as driver awareness so no other families have to go through the heartache they have.

But they have spoken of the comfort his final selfless act gave to them a little light in their darkest hour – with his aunt Lisa Jackson saying “we were moved he had been so selfless and we all knew it was the right thing to do honouring his wishes – if we could not have him, then part of him could live on”.

Remembering her nephew, the 32-year-old, from Glynde, said: “Alex was the most beautiful, caring and loving young man and the whole family are absolutely devastated.

“Alex had so much to live for, he worked hard at school and college and was so excited to be offered a place as an apprentice electrician. He had a huge passion for football and table tennis.

“He was always a cheeky boy and always smiling. He left quite an impression on everybody who was lucky enough to meet him, especially to those who were privileged to have him be part of our family.”

She added: “The doctors came and said there was nothing more they could do for Alex, they tried everything they could. "This was the worst possible news, my brother had lost his son and there was nothing any of us could do to help him.

“They then went onto to explain that Alex had registered as an organ donor a few months before his death. In that moment, everyone knew it was the right thing to do and it offered some much needed comfort that his wishes were to be fulfilled.”

In the following months as the family and community grieved the beloved teenager, letters began to drop through his father Paul’s door telling him how many people Alex had helped.

One woman received a kidney when she had previously been totally dependent on dialysis.

Another who suffered diabetes received his pancreas and now no longer requires the use of insulin.

Alex also donated his eye tissue to two recipients and his heart was donated for use of the valves, one of which has been given to a young boy.

Despite the awful circumstances of November 27, 2014, when Alex was in a car with a drunk driver who claimed his life, his family have been overwhelmed with the far-reaching consequences of this tragedy.

“It is not something we will ever come to terms with” Lisa says “And now the trial is over it has brought all the emotions back again and it is still very much as painful as it was a year ago. But now the court case has finished it is time to concentrate on the good which came out of it.”

Alex’s actions were also honoured with The Order of St John award for Organ Donation earlier this month – something his father said he was “honoured” to receive on his son’s behalf along a number of other Sussex organ donors.

His aunt said “As news quickly spread about Alex donating his organs, many family and friends have now also registered. "Sitting here and thinking about those people he has helped is amazing and through us telling his remarkable story, he could potentially save many more lives in the future by encouraging people to think about organ donation and what it could mean to register.”

And that is what inspired the family to set up Al’s Wishes as they work on campaigning in his memory to promote the act of organ donation.

She said: “I had read about the miracles that were given to those whose lives depended on getting that phone call.

“Can you imagine the happiness of the phone call that could improve or even save your life but for it to be tinged by sadness about why that phone call had come? Who had lost their life and whose family had lost a loved one?

“It is the ultimate gift to somebody but yet I didn’t really understand what it truly meant. In all honesty I didn’t really know how I felt about it.

“I was lucky enough to not be in that need.

“I would see it on TV and think wow what an amazing story but then go about my day once more. However all of that changed after what happened.”

With all the people Alex has helped by handing over his organs, the family hopes even more lives can be saved by people hearing his story.

His aunt added: “Whoever these people are who Alex helped, I hope they get to achieve all of your dreams and go on to live long and happy lives.”

Last year, between April 2014 and March 2015, the number of deceased organ donors in the UK dropped for the first time in 11 years.

Quenelda Avery, chairwoman of the Sussex County Priory Group of the Order of St John, said: “With approximately as many as three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs for transplant, these donors and their families have carried out an inspirational act to help others to live.

“We hope the example they have set will encourage many more to follow in their footsteps and agree to become an organ donor.”

CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF CARING YOUNG MAN

AL’S WISHES is the awareness and fundraising campaign set up by the Jackson family to honour Alex's memory.

As well as promoting the importance of organ donation, they are also hoping to increase driver awareness, to work with the NHS and police and organise fundraisers for sports equipment in the community.

As they approach the one-year anniversary of Alex’s death they are holding a festive fun day on November 29 from midday to 4pm at Whitehawk Football Club. 

There will be stalls, support from Albion in the Community, a Santa’s grotto and a visit from the High Sheriff of East Sussex Juliet Smith.