A CRICKET enthusiast who gave the ultimate gift of life is this week's Local Hero.

Craig Botting, 24, died of an unexpected brain aneurysm in April last year after collapsing at his home in Balcombe, near Haywards Heath.

Craig's organs, including his liver, kidney and pancreas, were donated to other people. His heart went to a man in his 20s who was critically ill.

In recognition of his life-saving gesture, Craig was one of 31 people awarded The Order of St John for Organ Donation at a ceremony at the Priory Church in London on October 7.

His mother Christine Botting, 47, received the award on his behalf. The award displays the words "add life, give hope".

Christine told The Argus: "It was a real honour collecting the award for Craig. He never signed up as a donor but we made the decision after his death, which is what he would have wanted.

"As a family it's been hard without him. We miss him terribly but knowing his organs have helped save the lives of others brings some positivity to it all."

Christine revealed the family had raised more than £9,000 for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance since Craig's passing.

She added: "The air ambulance landed on Balcombe Cricket Pitch, which was fitting as Craig loved cricket. And he was seriously injured in a cycling crash when he was 14 and had to be airlifted then. We're so proud of him."

Christine said the recipient of her son's heart had recovered remarkably well.

She added: "The man who received it was on the super-urgent list. His recovery has been absolutely miraculous, but my son had a very large heart."

Colonel Foakes, chair of the London Priory Group of the Order of St John, who presented the award, said donors like Craig were carrying out "inspirational acts" to help save lives.

He said: "Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is also vitally important to say thank you to the families whose loved ones have already donated their organs.

"With around three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs, these donors and their families have carried out an inspirational act to help others to live."

The award scheme, in its second year, is run by the Order of St John and NHS Blood and Transplant.

Sally Johnson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "These families deserve this honour and recognition of their life-saving gifts.

"We hope their bravery will inspire others to talk about their own wishes with people close to them and record their intention to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register."

The families of 1,320 people in the UK agreed to donate their loved ones' organs between 2013 and 2014, the largest ever number.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 2323 or text SAVE to 62323.