A HERO soldier has saved six lives after donating his organs following his untimely death.

Sergeant Steve Smith was tasked with protecting lives during his 16 years’ service in the Armed Forces and survived warzones unscathed, only to be killed in a road accident on British soil in July.

The 35-year-old’s family has described his final gift to others as typical of him and say it has given them comfort as they come to terms with the tragedy.

Sgt Smith, from Great Ayton, near Guisborough, had served with distinction in the Coldstream Guards and Royal Military Police in Iraq, Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

His sister, Cath Smith, 40, said she only found out after her brother’s death that he had signed up to the organ donation register.

She believes his organs have all gone to adults, but does not know any more than that.

She said: “After such tragedy, the thought that Steve has helped to save other people’s lives is truly amazing and to me that is what my brother is all about.

“I think he would be so proud.

He always thought of everybody else. He was just a good guy.”

Sgt Smith was jogging with his dog yards from his home in Telford, Shropshire, at the time of the accident, which involved a Transit van. He was taken to hospital and placed into an induced coma and on a ventilator.

Sgt Smith’s family, including his wife, Hannah Wright, 28, said their heartbreaking goodbyes before machines were turned off. He died on July 19 – his late mother Elsie’s birthday.

Because Sgt Smith was a soldier, he had already planned his own funeral at Christ Church, Great Ayton.

His sister said she has not ruled out the possibility of contacting the recipients of the organs to see what a difference her brother made.

􀁥 A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, and bailed pending further inquiries.