THE mother of an eight-year-old boy knocked down and killed by suspected joyriders made the heart-rending decision last night to donate his organs for transplant.

Eight-year-old Daniel Curtin lost his nine-day battle for life after suffering severe head injuries when he was hit by a stolen car in Middlesbrough.

Pictures of Daniel attached to a ventilator have touched the hearts of the nation following the incident, on May 16.

His heartbroken mother, Clare, is now taking solace in the fact his death has brought hope to others.

She made the decision to donate Daniel's heart, kidneys and liver to transplant surgeons, and it is believed operations have already taken place.

Her brave decision was last night welcomed by transplant co-ordinators at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle - the region's specialist heart unit - where 120 men and women and ten children are waiting for life-saving transplants.

While the North-East has a higher than average rate of donation, more organs are needed.

In the first four months of this year, 11 patients, including a child, waiting on the list have died.

In a statement released through Cleveland Police, Daniel's mother said last night: "Daniel is gone but he will never be forgotten.

"His death has devastated our family, but I am pleased that for others it has brought hope."

Cleveland Police said they will now review the charges against four youths who have already appeared in court in connection with the fatal accident.

Daniel, who was well-known in the Ayresome community for his cheeky smile and caring attitude, was playing with friends on the south side of Riverside Park when he was hit by a stolen Rover Metro.

Ms Curtin said her son's death should be a warning to people everywhere of the dangers posed if youngsters are tempted to get behind the wheel of a car.

She said: "Cars are not some plaything. In the wrong hands, they can, and do, kill - and I would urge all parents to think long and hard on that. Do they know what their children are up to at night?

"No one should have to go through what our family has endured for the past nine days. We have sat by his bed and watched his fight for life.

"Daniel has died, but I hope his spirit and memory will live on and that some good can come from the tragic consequences that have engulfed our family."

Daniel, a pupil at Ayresome Primary School, was one of a group watching a Rover Metro being driven around a cycle path when he was struck by the car.

Ms Curtin added: "Daniel was such a caring little boy. He would never make people cry or leave you sad.

"His grin would brighten up any room."

Margaret Toase, chairwoman of the school governors at Ayresome Primary, said: "I knew Daniel personally. He was loveable and had the face of an angel.

"This is a close-knit community in Ayresome, very close. There are a lot of very upset people today."

A 15-year-old charged in connection with the incident appeared at Teesside Youth Court where a trial date was fixed.

He has denied a charge of aggravated vehicle taking where an injury was caused and will be back before the court on June 15 for a pre-trial review. A trial has been fixed for July 4, 5 and 6.

Another 15-year-old boy also appeared before the court yesterday.

He admitted being carried in a vehicle that had been taken without consent.

The case against him was adjourned for the preparation of a report from the Youth Offending Team.

Lee Fenton, 19, of Oxford Street, Middlesbrough, has been remanded in custody after he admitted being carried in a vehicle that later caused injury to the eight-year-old.

A 14-year-old has been released on police bail while further investigations are carried out.

* How you can make the same life-saving decision - register on the NHS Organ Donor Register on 0845 60 60 400, or go to www.uktransplant.org.uk