WINSFORD'S Max Johnson has won the final 'Points of Light' award handed out Theresa May in her role as Prime Minister.

Max, 11, has been recognised by Mrs May for his exceptional service to the community – inspiring a change in organ donation law which will go on to save lives.

'Max and Keira's Law', named after Max and Keira Ball, who gave her heart to save his life, will bring in an 'opt-out' organ donation system in England and Northern Ireland from spring 2020.

Max waited almost seven months for a new heart after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, which caused his heart to enlarge, triggering end stage heart failure.

His story was featured on a BBC2 documentary ‘Heart Transplant - A Chance To Live’, in the first ever heart transplant operation aired on television.

The programme inspired nearly a 500 per cent rise in organ donor register sign ups overnight following the broadcast, and inspired the Government to support the new legislation.

This legislation was passed in February this year, gaining Royal Assent in March.

Max has worked closely with the British Heart Foundation on their Lifeline Appeal to encourage families to talk about their wishes and sign up to the organ donation registry, and to support the charity’s work.

He also raises awareness and fundraises for ‘InspiredbyKeira’, the charity set up in memory of Keira Ball to promote organ donations and support families who have lost children, and won a Pride of Britain ‘Child of Courage’ award in October 2018.

Max is the latest and 1233rd recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements. Today marks Mrs May's last award as Prime Minister.

In one of her last acts as PM, Mrs May wrote to Max: "The powerful story of your heart transplant has inspired thousands of people to join the organ donation register, and I was honoured to support Max and Keira’s Law.

"The changes made, because of your campaign, will save countless lives and I wish you every success as you continue to encourage families across the UK to talk about organ donation."

Max said: "I feel like this is very special and makes me feel happy.

"Thank you to Prime Minister Theresa May's support in changing the organ donation rules.

"Please understand your loved ones' wishes and have the conversation about organ donation."

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, added: “Max’s bravery and determination are an inspiration to us all.

"t’s no exaggeration to say that Max and Keira’s Law, which resulted from Max’s tireless campaigning, will save and improve the lives of hundreds of people in need of an organ transplant.

"Many congratulations to Max from all of us at the British Heart Foundation on his well-deserved Points of Light award."

There are 320 people in the UK waiting for a new heart, but one in six do not receive the life-saving heart transplant they need.