Just six weeks ago, the 21-year-old was given the new heart in a major operation – but he's already back home and living life to the full.

"I feel much better," said Jamie. "I still have to take things easy for the time being, but I do feel normal again.

"I've been to the pub because I'm even allowed a pint, and my friends have been to see me. I'm just not allowed to go to any crowded places yet.

"I enjoy going out on my bike and have just bought a scrambler, which is getting a few repairs done to it, and I'll soon be out on that too."

Last September, Jamie was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart condition which claimed the life of his sister Emma, 23, just before Christmas.

He spent seven months in Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, and for five of those months he was hooked up to a Berlin Heart – a mechanical pump keeping him alive.

After two false alarms Jamie, who lives with his mum Jackie Jones and six-year-old niece Rio in Biddick Hall, South Shields, finally received his new heart on April 24.

Ms Jones said: "The heart was really meant for somebody else so nobody was getting their hopes up in case it didn't happen.

"But I'm so glad to have him home, I used to be at the hospital twice a day and have to sort Rio out, but now it's a lot easier on all of us."

In a bid to find Jamie a heart as soon as possible, the Gazette launched a campaign – Sign Up For Life – to get as many South Tynesiders signing up to the organ donor register.

It's thought in some cases after organ transplants patients take on characteristics of their donors.

Since his operation Jamie can't stop munching on oranges or chocolate cake.

He said: "I'm not to sure if it's anything to do with my donor, but I never liked them this much before.

"It's quite hard for me to keep anything down at the moment, as my tablets are making me sick all the time."

Jamie is now contemplating finding out more about his donor.

He said: "I wouldn't mind knowing a little bit more about whoever it was, but I don't think I'd like to know how old they.

He added: "I just feel so lucky to have received a new heart."