THE family of organ donor Steven Tibbey had an emotional meeting with the man who was given the gift of life after receiving the car crash victim's heart.

Karen Tibbey was watching a television show where transplant patient John Fisher was being interviewed about his life-saving operation.

As she watched, Karen, 22, realised to her amazement he had been given her brother's heart.

Now Steven's family is hoping to contact three other people saved by his organs.

Steven died in a car crash in Bourne End a year ago. He was 23 at the time of the accident.

Mum Lesley, of Blind Lane, Bourne End, explained: "Karen ran home saying, 'I've just seen Steven's heart.' I rang the transplant coordinator who confirmed it."

The family of an organ donor are not allowed to meet the transplant patient until at least a year after the operation, but donor bosses made an exception in this case and the two families were introduced on the same Channel Five show, Open House, last week.

Lesley said: "It was strange. I couldn't wait to cuddle him because it was my son's heart. I have never met John in my life but it was like we had this bond straight away. It was like I knew him so strange I can't really put it into words."

Normally the family would have missed the show as they can't get Channel Five in their house. Karen saw it at a friend's.

Lesley added: "The wife could not thank me and my daughter enough for saving her husband. It was so moving."

Transplant patient Mr Fisher, a party DJ from Ashford in Middlesex, is a father of four.

He said: "I told myself I wasn't going to cry but I made sure my face wasn't in full view of the camera just in case."

Lesley said: "I have not dreamt about Steven since he died and I was always gutted about that. But when this came up my mum said: 'There you go. There's a sign from Steven showing you where his heart is.'"

She added: "Out of tragedy comes happiness. Steven died anyway but without his organs all these other people would probably not have made it. They have their lives through my son and that is such a reward."

For information on becoming a donor call Organ Donation Information Line on 0845 6060400