THE parents of a teenager who was tragically died have been recognised by the Prime Minister for their work highlighting the importance of organ donation.

Husband and wife Shaun and Darran Saunders, both aged 52 from Brighton, established the Connor Saunders Foundation after their son, 19, died after being punched during an argument outside Tesco Express in West Street, Rottingdean, in 2012.

After Connor passed away, his parents found out he had registered as an organ donor aged 16, in turn giving the gift of life to five other people.

In Connor’s memory his parents now promote organ donation. They have also raised more than £35,000 to buy defibrillators for local sports clubs, and provided first aid training for in excess of 4,000 schoolchildren.

Shaun and Darran Saunders are the latest recipients of a Point Of Light award, spearheaded by David Cameron, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers and people inspiring others in their community. Every day someone in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their achievements.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Shaun and Darran have both made a remarkable commitment to raising awareness of the importance of organ donation in their son’s memory.

"The courage they have shown in using their son Connor’s story to educate young people about the tragic consequences of violence is truly inspiring. I am pleased to name them Points of Light for their tireless work.”

Shaun and Darran said: “We are humbled and overwhelmed about receiving this award.

"Without the continuous hard work and commitment from our daughter Courtney, who not only efficiently organises us but also the Connor Saunders Foundation, we would not be able to accept this prestigious award and continue Connor's work.

"We accept this on behalf of Connor's family and friends, who since losing Connor have made it our mission to make a difference as Connor did - his life made this possible and his passing makes it necessary.

"As his parents we will always remember the life he led. Good has to come from bad; as a family we would rather teach the next generation to save lives with their hands than take lives through one punch."

Shaun and Darran have hosted a number of events including football matches with the emergency services, fetes and coffee mornings, raising more than £35,000. The money has enabled the installation of 35 defibrillators at local sports clubs and schools providing vital life-saving equipment.

Shaun and Darran have inspired others to provide first aid training at schools across Sussex. They have also funded football coaches with FA or UEFA badges to work with children with special needs in three schools. These children would usually miss out on the opportunity and have benefited from teamwork and leadership skills.