LIFELONG Boro fan Arraan Beattie is determined to make people aware of the importance of carrying a donor card after receiving a life-saving heart transplant.

Arraan became ill at Christmas time last year with what seemed like a normal sickness bug. However the symptoms became worse as the weeks went by.

After a series of tests he was admitted to North Tees General Hospital and was treated for hepatitis A.

But his condition did not improve and after further blood tests he was taken straight into the Coronary Care unit at North Tees, where he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (heart failure).

He was transferred to Newcastle's Freeman Hospital but his condition deteriorated significantly and his name was placed on the transplant list.

Arraan received his transplant on April 11 and has made significant progress since his operation.

He was cheered up by some signed Boro goodies and a message of support from Gareth Southgate.

He has now been home for nearly two weeks. Our picture shows him shortly after the operation. 

The family cannot thank the staff at the Freeman Hospital enough for their wonderful care and dedication they showed to Arraan, his mother and stepfather.

His grandfather, Geoff Wade, wrote to the club thanking them for their concern and saying: "It would be very much appreciated if MFC could do something to make people aware of the importance of carrying a donor card.

"Before, we thought this sort of thing only happened to someone else. Now I can assure you it can strike anyone at any time."

Arraan's life was saved by a donor. You can save lives too.

For more information contact the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or log onto http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/