A BRAVE Millport man who received a new heart last year has passed away at just 39.

Tributes have flooded in after the death of Jason Neil who was found in his house in Cardiff Street last Sunday, having passed away after having suffered heart problems since he was born.

Despite only moving to the island two years ago, Jason's friendly and helpful nature made him a popular and well-kent face in the the community.

His mother Bonnie told the News that she had been touched by the outpouring of grief and messages of support.

She said: "He was such a caring and friendly person and everyone has said that about him. I would like to thank everyone who has left messages of condolences, they have been a great source of support to the family.

"It makes me so proud of him, he certainly made a very positive impact on the people around him.

"He had such an affinity with the island, he loved everything about it."

She added: "Jason had heart problems since he was born. Last year he had been in hospital and eventually he needed a heart transplant.

"He had a stroke recently as well, but he refused to stop living life to the full.

"His passion was his camper van, motorbikes and his two British bulldogs."

Jason was born in Fife and stayed there until two years ago before plumping for island life.

He saw a flat advertised on Cumbrae and headed over to Millport on a whim for a look - and immediately fell in love with it.

Bonnie added: "He had so many friends and just loved life. He didn't want to worry anyone with his problems and was always so kind and helpful.

"He started off in his teens working in restaurants and then became a delivery driver and then went on to set up a business for himself as a gardener and latterly worked as a handyman.

"He had to give the gardening up as he had lost a kidney but he always wanted to stay active and be doing something."

Jason loved to go down to Cornwall on holiday where he enjoyed surfing and kayaking.

His mum added: "He liked to try out different thing each day and live for the moment.

"He used to be inundated at his handyman job and was so busy with clients all the time. He used to say to me that his phone never stopped pinging. He was just a really great son, so thoughtful and caring.

"I just can't believe he is gone.

"Jason had a smile that could light up a room.

"I remember some yob had thrown a bike off the harbour and into the water. The bike belonged to a friend's son and Jason thought nothing of heading into the sea and pulling it back out again - he would do anything for anyone, he was amazing."

Jason first lived in Ritchie Street when he came to the island but got the opportunity to move to Cardiff Street through Cunninghame Housing Association.

A keen adventurer, Jason had recently bought a rowing boat and enjoyed heading over to Wee Cumbrae to explore, but loved nothing more than heading off in his camper van and visiting West Bay with his dogs Kayla and Archie.

Jason, who only turned 39 at the end of January, is survived by Bonnie, dad David, brothers David and Chris and sister Jackie.