Crash girl, nine, who has saved four lives

after the crash. Joe said he was inspired by Keira’s desire to help others throughout her life.

Within hours of his decision, Keira’s heart was taken to Newcastle upon Tyne to save Max, who had waited six months for a transplant to replace his dangerously enlarged heart.

Loanna, 34, who also has Keely, 13, Katelyn, 12, and Bradley, eight, said: “This is such a terrible time of year for us, the anniversary of the crash. But seeing how well Max is doing gives us all a massive, massive lift.“

She added that they were blessed to have Max’s family in their lives – marketing expert Emma, 48, civil servant Paul, 45, and Max’s brother Harry, 13, of Winsford, Cheshire.

Joe and Loanna met Max this week at the Devon Show, where he helped raise funds for their charity, Inspired by Keira, to boost organ donation. Loanna said: “Looking at Max’s pictures from a year ago has made us aware that if it was not for Joe’s decision, Max wouldn’t be here now.”

Joe said: “Max made a speech and it was so moving. It is his heart anniversary but also the day we lost Keira, so there are many memories.

“We did a heart-shaped cake for him and we know there will always be that bond between our families.”

The families have given permission for pictures of Keira and Max to be used in awareness campaigns next year. “Keira lives on in this new organ donation law,” said Loanna.