Sunderland-produced documentary on youngster's heart transplant to be aired on CBBC

MCC Media, which is based in Monkwearmouth, were commissioned by CBBC to produce a 30-minute documentary for the Bafta and Emmy award-winning My Life Series called My Life My New Heart, which will be broadcast on Tuesday, February 18 at 5.30pm on CBBC and then available on Iplayer.

The TV production company have been working with the children’s heart unit at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle for the past four years to capture the story of 12-year-old Jack as he waits for a new heart from a donor.

Shining a light on the youngster’s battle with congenital heart disease, it tells the story of how Jack has been in and out of hospital all his life, with his condition worsening in recent years to the point where he couldn’t even walk upstairs.

After being told by doctors he needs a new heart, the documentary follows Jack’s year on the transplant list as the children’s heart team at the Freeman search for a match.

As he dreams of being able to run around a football pitch with his friends, the filmmakers follow Jack through his hours of surgery and his tough recovery process as he embraces his second chance at life.

Producer / director Paul McCoy said: “It's truly been a privilege to be able to tell Jack’s incredible story. The whole journey has been an emotional roller-coaster and Jack’s inner fight and strength has shone throughout. I am truly grateful to Jack’s family and the donor family, The Freeman Hospital and The Blood and Transplant Service.”

He added: “His gratitude to the unknown donor who gave him his new heart knows no bounds.”

There are currently 40 children in the UK that are on the donor list awaiting a new heart and it’s hoped that the documentary will inspire parents and carers to talk to children about organ donation as children can help save lives too.

Speaking about how grateful he is to his donor, Jack, who is from Darlington, said: “I just wanted to tell my story in a hope that it would help other people. I’m so grateful to the donor family, my family and all the hospital staff for all the support I have received. ”

Commissioning editor for CBBC, Kez Margrie, said: “The power of documentary storytelling is as strong as ever in this new series of My Life films. All the children featured have great stories to tell and we’re privileged to have been given a window on their world. Jack’s story is not only powerful but emotive”

MCC Media are building on this success with many new projects currently in development for CBBC as well as other major broadcasters.

*As of spring 2020 Max and Kiera’s Law will be introduced which means that adults will be automatically opted in unless they choose to opt out of organ donation.