AN award for saving someones’s life is being launched in memory of a tragic teen who died following a moped crash.

Guy Evans was left unable to breathe and is thought to have suffered a suspected heart arrhythmia while he was riding his moped in Featherbed Lane between Wantage and Didcot three years ago.

His family believe he may have survived had he been given CPR at the scene and have campaigned on the issue following his inquest.

Now one of the inaugural St John Ambulance First Aid Awards will be named in his honour for someone who saves the life of another person.

Guy’s mother Beth Chesney-Evans, 57, was able to secure a change in the way 999 calls to motorbike accidents were handled a year after his death.

When he crashed his friends were not told to attempt first aid or check whether he was breathing but were asked if there was any chemical spillage from the bike.

His death was not caused by any injuries suffered in the actual crash, the inquest heard.

Mrs Chesney-Evans said: “On the balance of probabilities, Guy’s heart had stopped and the only way he could have survived would have been if he had been given CPR.

“He might have been kept alive long enough to get to hospital but he was never given that chance.

“I want other people to have that chance.”

The award will recognise a person who has been the difference between life and death.

It will be presented by Mrs Chesney-Evans.

Mrs Chesney-Evans, from Long Wittenham, added: “I am pleased and honoured because since Guy died we have been campaigning with St John Ambulance to help raise awareness of basic first aid, particularly in schools.

“It is wonderful there will be an award in his name because is shows that something good can come out of what is essentially a family tragedy.”

Launching the new set of awards, Commander of St John Ambulance Oxfordshire James Macnamara said: “Across Oxfordshire we are seeking out first aid champions and workplace heroes for deserved recognition.

“We want to hear your stories and examples of best practice.”

There are three categories in the awards: l the workplace awards, which reward organisations exceeding legal first aid requirements; l the community awards, which reward organisations providing the broadest benefits of first aid training to the public and their customers, and l the difference awards, which reward individuals who have made the difference between life and death.

Finalists will be invited to a black tie awards dinner at the Lancaster London Hotel on November 30, which will be hosted by BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth.

Nominations are free and must be made by August 26 via sja.org.uk/firstaidawards