The BBC's Peter Hunt reports from Philadelphia

Ian Fleming, from Manchester, found he was a perfect donor match for his new wife Teresa, from Pennsylvania, USA.

The couple fell in love on a chat room web site after discovering a shared taste in music, films and hobbies.

Now both 29-year-old Ian and Theresa, aged 36, are said to be in recovery at Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University Hospital after the seven-hour transplant operation.

Doctors say Mrs Fleming is doing "very well".

It was only after Ian had proposed that he took a blood test confirming he was a perfect candidate to act as a kidney donor.

Ian's father Brian, said he was delighted the operation was over.

Jeffrey Baxt, spokesman for Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, on BBC Radio 5 Live

"We've just about coped today with all the worry. I'm so glad the operation is done and they are in recovery.

"What Ian has done is so brave and has taken a lot of courage.

"But he loves his wife so it is what he's got to do. He said it would benefit both of them," said Mr Fleming.

Until now freelance photographer Mrs Fleming had needed dialysis three times a week in hospital and was unable to work.

Extensive search

Love over the Internet

Despite checking relatives and conducting an extensive computerised search across the US her doctors had given up on finding a suitable match for a new kidney - until Ian came into her life and volunteered to take a blood test.

If all goes according to plan she will be able to lead a completely normal life.

"This is probably the most unselfish act I've seen from anybody," Mrs Fleming said.

A proper honeymoon is top of the list of priorities - the last one after their wedding in September was at a local hotel because Mrs Fleming could not travel and had to be cut short after she had an unexpected health scare.

The couple will also be able to move out of Mrs Fleming's parents' home in York, Pennsylvania.

Ian Fleming's parents Brian and Sylvia: "It's the kind of man he is"

Ian's parents will also be able to meet their daughter-in-law for the first time because a disability means Brian is unable to fly.

After talking a lot on the Internet, writing letters, phoning and swapping photographs, Mr Fleming visited her at Christmas, proposed and then four months later gave up his job at Manchester Education Authority to move to America.