THE family of a young man who died in a head-on motorbike crash and donated his major organs to help others have collected a prestigious award.

Mikey Denley, from Southend, who was a registered organ donor, has been recognised by the international humanitarian charity, the Order of St John, for saving the lives of four people in the wake of his death.

The 22-year-old, who died in August 2012, was honoured with the United Kingdom Award for Organ Donation at an awards ceremony.

His sister, LucyDenley, ten, accepted the accolade on his behalf at the Priory Church of the Order of St John, in Islington, with the support of sisters Cheri, 21, and Kayleigh, 24, and their mum Lisa.

Kayleigh said: “When we went to collect the award I was so proud it’s unbelievable. You just want to show him off – not many 22-year-olds would even think of becoming an organ donor. It’s a lovely way to keep his memory going.

“Lucy was so nervous beforehand, but when it came to it she had a big smile on her face. It’s amazing he has been recognised, especially for her because she has really missed him.

She’s so strong – she’s been a rock for the whole family and she doesn’t even realise it.”

The charity has kept the family updated with regular letters since Mikey donated his organs.

Kayleigh said: “A couple of months after he donated, we received a letter from the family of a woman he’d saved. They wanted to say thank you, and said they could understand what a loss it was.

“She has two young children, so if Mikey hadn’t gone, they’d be without a mummy. It is a comfort to think he didn’t die in vain – everyone goes for a reason, and his reason was obviously to save those four lives.”

The family have commemorated Mikey’s memory by showcasing his award in a special cabinet.

Kayleigh added: “Mum’s got a cabinet – she called it Mikey’s Locker – which has some of his things in it, so that’s where we’ve put his award.

“He’d be so proud of himself, especially for saving the mother of the young children – that would’ve been important for him.”