Journalist's campaign to continue

Mr Sudbury was diagnosed in 2006

The parents of a campaigning journalist who spent the last months of his life raising awareness about bone marrow donation are to continue his campaign.

Adrian Sudbury, 27, who died from leukaemia in August, was described by the prime minister as a "true hero".

Mr Sudbury wrote a blog throughout his illness sharing his experiences.

Now his parents Kay and Keith Sudbury say they will continue his work to make teenagers aware of the value of blood, organ and cell donations.

A private family funeral has already been held and a celebration of his life will take place at Sheffield Cathedral later on Thursday.

Campaign continues

The Huddersfield Examiner journalist was diagnosed with two types of leukaemia. A bone marrow transplant proved unsuccessful and doctors said the disease was terminal.

His mother Kay said: "Whether or not he would have started a campaign if he hadn't become ill, we doubt very much and the leukaemia was both the making of him and the breaking of him.

"The disease was pushing him on, but holding him back career-wise.

"The Adrian we'd always known was the delightful, happy, chuckling, charming young man who came to the fore during his campaign".

His father Keith added: "We're very very proud of what he's achieved in such a short and unfortunately tragic life.

"Because of that pride, we've got tremendous comfort in moving his campaign forward because we'd pledged to Adrian that we would follow the campaign through to its fruition.

"We still feel we are part of Adrian's campaign and what he wanted to do and we both find that a comfort."

His mother said: "But for all that he achieved, he was our lad and we lost him and that sadness is never going to go away."