A brave schoolgirl who controversially refused a lifesaving heart transplant has celebrated milestones doctors never thought she would achieve – including her 16th birthday.

Brave Hannah Jones was just 13 when, left drained by debilitating surgery to cure a fatal heart condition worsened by a lengthy cancer battle, she refused the operation.

Hannah stunned the world when she calmly said she would rather die than undergo more hospital trauma and simply wanted to live her last days in peace.

Proud parents Kirsty and Andrew Jones backed her decision. But Hannah’s condition deteriorated and aged 14, having changed her mind, she underwent a transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

She has now just celebrated her 16th birthday, done her GCSEs and enjoyed her school prom as a happy and healthy teenager looking forward to a bright future.

Hannah, who lives in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, said: “I never thought I’d celebrate my 16th, do my GCSEs or be picking a dress for my high school prom.

“Although people thought I was too young to decide, I’d been through so much I felt I had the right.

“But everyone’s entitled to change their mind and now I’m so glad I did.

“Having a new heart is brilliant because I’ve got so much energy. For the first time ever, I can do what all my friends are doing. I try not to think too much and instead just live for every minute; I mean I start college in September, how cool is that?

“My dream is to one day meet JLS and work either on TV or as a lawyer – but I haven’t decided which yet.”

Hannah had battled with leukaemia from the age of four and underwent dozens of gruelling medical treatments for the next 10 years.

When doctors told her she needed a new heart she refused – causing outrage and controversy across the world. But the healthy teen celebrated her 16th birthday on July 7 by going bowling with her friends – like any normal girl.

Mum Kirsty said: “I’m so proud of Hannah, when I saw her looking so beautiful in her dress I had a tear in my eye.

“We’ve had a rollercoaster of a journey and we’re now looking forward to the next chapter.”