Fundraiser Kirsty Howard dies aged 20

Updated

An inspirational fundraiser feted by celebrities has died aged 20, after doctors gave her just weeks to live at the age of four.

Kirsty Howard captured the hearts of the nation battling her condition after she was the only British child - and one of only two worldwide - born with a back-to-front heart.

Her parents Lynn and Steve were told she would not live past her fourth birthday.

The youngster, from Wythenshawe, Manchester, was accompanied by David Beckham to hand over the ceremonial baton as the Queen opened the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.

She became a tireless fundraiser, raising more than £7.5 million for Francis House Children's Hospital in Manchester, winning a host of famous admirers during her lifetime.

Kirsty died in hospital at 1.38am today surrounded by her family, a spokesman said.

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