ANDREW and Janet Alston’s world fell apart when their beloved son Matthew died in a car crash at the age of 18.

The teenager was killed when he lost control of his Vauhall Corsa the morning after enjoying a night out with friends. He had no idea that when he got behind the wheel that he was still over the limit.

Following his death, his parents set up the The Matthew Alston Project to highlight the real-life consequences of drinking and driving. And they have also supported the Wasted Lives campaign, launched by the Lancashire Telegraph and emergency services, to warn young motorists about the dangers of risky driving.

They have shown remarkable courage and bravery to use his tragic story to try to ensure no other parent has to endure what they have.

More than 25,000 young people have now been told about what happened to Matthew, and many have been shown the shocking wreckage of his car at roadshow events. Now the project set up in his name has been commended by a top transport organisation.

Let us hope it is some comfort to the Alstons that their son’s life has touched so many people and done so much good in stopping other similar tragedies.