CRITICALLY ill patients given the gift of life after organ transplants from a young car crash victim have expressed their debt of gratitude.

An inquest into the death of Steven Tibbey, 23, of Blind Lane, Bourne End, on Tuesday recorded a verdict of accidental death but it is a death that has brought "benefit to four other victims and their families."

One of the beneficiaries of the organs, a 45-year-old diabetic called Roy, has written a heartfelt letter of thanks to Steven's mum Lesley.

In his letter he said: "How do I thank someone I will never meet?

"I hope this letter will help you know that [Steven] has touched so many with his gifts. He will never be forgotten.

"A day does not go by when I do not think of the change this has made to my life."

Roy suffers from diabetes and was in constant need of dialysis a situation that has been greatly improved following his kidney and pancreas transplants.

Marie Cummins, regional transplant co-ordinator for South Thames, said all four of the patients who received Steven's organs were now able to lead normal healthy lives.

She added: "It's not only these patients, it's also their families who benefit from this, and it is an amazing thing to give another person."

Steven, 23, had made it clear to his mother Lesley, that he wanted to help others in the event of his death and he carried an organ donor card with him.

Lesley said: "It was like a comfort that instead of him just dying, it's like he has done something.

"His death was not in vain and it has given other people a chance of life."

Thomas Grace, assistant deputy coroner for Bucks, heard that Steven had not been wearing a seat belt and had been hurled out of the car during the crash.

PC Stuart Parrott, an accident investigator, estimated that Steven's Ford Fiesta XR2 was travelling at between 50mph to 60mph on the 30mph limit road when he lost control of the car on the A4155 at Well End, near Bourne End, on July 27 last year.

The inquest heard that Steven's car had smashed into a wall and flipped over before colliding with another vehicle.

Organ donor cards are available at doctors' surgeries, post offices and libraries.

Carriers must ensure that their next-of-kin is aware of their wishes to donate organs after death.