A COURAGEOUS schoolboy who fronted a campaign to change the law on organ donation, potentially saving up to 700 lives a year, is being honoured.

Max Johnson, from Winsford, is to receive a Child of Courage award at the prestigious Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards this evening.

The heart transplant patient will join public figures and celebrities including Prince Charles, David Beckham, Simon Cowell, Ellie Goulding, Michael Sheen, Amanda Holden, the cast of Strictly Come Dancing, and members of the England football team as they honour this year’s awe-inspiring winners.

Max was only nine when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Doctors implanted an electric pump to keep him alive in the short term, but told his parents he would die without a transplant.

He spent six months in hospital on the waiting list and it was during this time that he called on politicians to change the law to an opt-out system.

It means that everyone will be presumed to be an organ donor unless they state otherwise.

Last month Prime Minister Theresa May declared Max’s Law will be on the statute books by 2020.

She told him: “When I read your inspirational story, I knew I had to act to change the organ donation rules. While it will have to have a bit of a boring title when it goes through Parliament, I and my Government will call it Max’s Law.”

Pride of Britain is the biggest national awards event of its kind, with millions of viewers on ITV tuning in to recognise the amazing achievements of people up and down the country.

The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, will be screened on ITV on November 6 at 8pm.

There will be an Outstanding Bravery award for the fearless British divers who risked their lives to rescue a group of Thai boys trapped deep underground in flooded caves, in a lifesaving mission that held the world spellbound.

And a Child of Courage award for Ella Chadwick, an eleven year old who despite spending most of her young life in hospital remains positive, courageous and determined to do something to thank the doctors and nurses who have looked after her.

Other winners include a courageous teenager who saved his father’s life out at sea, a widow driven to help tackle mental health after her husband’s suicide, a 10 year old heart transplant patient instrumental in changing the law on organ donation, and an inspirational pensioner who has dedicated much of her life to helping others.

Host Carol Vorderman said: “Pride of Britain is a very important part of my life. I’m thrilled that it’s become a staple part of British culture. I never fail to be humbled by those who have often turned a tragedy into something pretty magnificent.”

Pete Markey, chief marketing officer for TSB, said: “TSB is incredibly proud to partner with Pride of Britain,to shine a light on the people who are doing extraordinary things to help others in their local communities.

"I’ve been truly humbled to hear the incredible stories of dedication, commitment and courage that these awards have once again highlighted.”