THIS has been a week of remarkable parental courage.

A mother and father's love for their child is unconquerable; the death of that child unbearable. Yet the parents of Thomas Staniforth, Caroline Stuttle and Jamie Bucknell have borne their loss with bravery, dignity and strength few of us could match.

Most extraordinary of all is the hope all three families have managed to extract from these tragedies.

In a deeply moving interview, Gordon Staniforth talks tonight about his love for Thomas and the devastating effect his death had on the family.

He also reveals his determination to warn others of the dangers of drugs and excessive alcohol. Thomas died partly as a result of taking Ecstasy, and Mr Staniforth has already talked about what happened at a youth club party.

He plans to carry on taking this message to young people. It is a campaign which cannot reap visible results: he will never know whose families his words have saved from the heartache he endures. But he can be certain that his message will make a difference.

On Tuesday, Marjorie and Alan Stuttle laid their daughter to rest. Caroline was exploring a world that offered her limitless opportunities when her life was snatched away by an act of despicable violence.

Somehow, Mr and Mrs Stuttle have been able to rise above their grief to offer a message of hope to other young people, saying: "Those of you that have daughters, please believe in their dreams and let them pursue their desire to travel and experience life." They have set up a fund in Caroline's memory to enable other young people to do just that.

And yesterday, we reported how Keith and Debbie Bucknell were now able to mark their son Jamie's grave with the memorial they wanted. They, too, are helping other young people in Jamie's name, with a fundraising appeal which has already bought 12 lifesaving heart monitors.

These three families are an inspiration to us all. Their children would be proud of them.

Updated: 11:08 Friday, April 26, 2002