'It was an inspiration to meet such a brave young lady': David Beckham's heartfelt tribute to 'amazing' fundraiser Kirsty Howard after her death at 20 - 16 years after doctors gave her just weeks to live
- Kirsty Howard, 20, who had a back-to-front heart, passed away at 1.38am
- She was given only weeks to live at the age of four due to her condition
- But she beat the odds and went on to become an inspirational fundraiser
- Kirsty, from Wythenshawe, Manchester, was accompanied on stage by David Beckham at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in 2002
- She also inspired the star to score winning goal in World Cup qualifier
Former England captain David Beckham has praised brave Kirsty Howard as 'an inspiration' and 'an amazing fundraiser' after the 20-year-old, who was only given weeks to live 16 years ago, passed away.
Kirsty captured the hearts of the nation and inspired David Beckham to score the winning goal in a 2002 World Cup qualifier - died earlier today, her family has announced.
In a emotional tribute, Beckham said: 'Words cannot describe how amazing this young lady has been over the years.
'Kirsty has been defying doctors for many years and whilst doing that she has been raising millions of pounds for terminally ill children.'
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David Beckham posted a highly emotional tribute to Kirsty Howard on his Instagram feed following her death
Tragic loss: Kirsty Howard has died aged 20 - after doctors gave her just weeks to live at the age of four. Above, Kirsty is seen, left, at her 20th birthday party last month and, right, in 2001 with David Beckham
Touching: Kirsty, who was born with a back-to-front heart, won legions of fans in 2001 when she accompanied Beckham onto the pitch with her oxygen tank as the mascot for England's World Cup qualifier against Greece
Cute: The then-six-year-old is seen in 2002 smiling alongside Victoria Beckham, whom she reduced to tears
The incredible young woman, who was one of only two children globally born with a back-to-front heart, passed away at 1.38am today - after doctors gave her just weeks to live at the age of four.
She took her final breath surrounded by her parents, Lynn and Steve, and sisters, Zoe and Kim, at Manchester Royal Infirmary, according to the Kirsty Club, a charity that was founded by Kirsty.
She had celebrated her 20th birthday only last month.
During her short life, Kirsty constantly defied doctors' predictions and became a tireless fundraiser, raising more than a staggering £7.5 million for Francis House Children's Hospital in Manchester.
She won a host of famous admirers, including prime ministers, pop stars and Hollywood actors.
In 2002, Kirsty, from Wythenshawe, was pictured being kissed on the cheek by Beckham as she helped him hand over the ceremonial baton as the Queen opened the Commonwealth Games.
The year before, she had won legions of fans after joining the sports star on the pitch with her 20kg oxygen tank as the mascot for England's 2002 World Cup qualifying match against Greece.
At the time, commentator John Motson said Kirsty was 'the bravest person on the pitch', while Beckham dedicated his last-minute goal to his 'little sweetheart', saying the team won 'for her'.
As she grew older, Kirsty continued to overcome her illness.
She studied childcare at college and gained an impressive 12 GCSEs.
She also became a proud auntie to her sister Kim's little boy, Cooper.
Throughout her life, Kirsty was supported by Beckham and his wife, Victoria. The famous couple often joined her at events - and spoke of their love and admiration for her in interviews.
Just several weeks ago, Kirsty had held a special Alice In Wonderland-themed party - which saw her and her loved ones dress up for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party - to celebrate her 20th birthday.
But on Tuesday, she was admitted to hospital with a kidney infection, the Mirror Online reports.
Two days later, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was transferred to intensive care.
She sadly succumbed to her illness in the early hours of this morning.
News of Kirsty's death was met with hundreds of messages of condolence on Twitter.
Ceremony: In July 2002, Kirsty, from Wythenshawe, Manchester, was pictured beaming as she helped Beckham hand over the ceremonial baton to the Queen as Her Majesty opened the Commonwealth Games
Close bond: Beckham kisses Kirsty on the cheek (left), then leads her across the stage to the Queen (right)
'An inspirational young woman': Kirsty is pictured in 2009 with the Prime Minister and his wife, Samantha
Another famous face: During her short life, Kirsty raised more than £7.5 million for Francis House Children's Hospital in Manchester. Above, she is joined at the launch of the hospice's new building by Sir Alex Ferguson
Birthday girl: As she grew older, Kirsty continued to overcome her illness. She studied childcare at college and gained an impressive 12 GCSEs. Above, she is pictured at her 17th birthday party in Alderley Edge in 2012
Brave: Kirsty (left and right, with Davina McCall) also became a proud auntie before she passed away today
Family: Kirsty took her final breath surrounded by her parents, Lynn and Steve, and sisters, Zoe and Kim (all pictured above with Kirsty in 2001), at Manchester Royal Infirmary this morning, according to the Kirsty Club
ITV News reporter Nina Nannar said: 'So sad to hear about the incredible Kirsty Howard who has died, so privileged to have met her, what an inspirational brave young woman.'
Amanda Sweeney, meanwhile, tweeted: 'RIP #kirstyhoward such an inspirational and very strong brave young lady. You will be truly missed. Heaven has gained a true angel xx.'
Karen Sutcliffe said: 'So sad to hear Kirsty Howard has died. Such an inspirational young lady. My thoughts are with her family. #RIPKirsty.'
And opera star Russell Watson tweeted: 'My inspirational friend Kirsty Howard is with the Angels. My heart is aching so much. RIP Angel forever xxxx'
Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine also paid tribute to the fundraiser, writing: 'Such sad news. A real inspiration. Everyone who met her fell in love. Love to her family.'
Adorable: Kirsty waves to the camera at the Pride Of Britain Awards at London's Hilton Hotel in March 2002
Royal links: Kirsty is pictured reading a book with Prince Charles in London in 2001, when she was only six
Celebrity friends: Kirsty became a tireless fundraiser, raising more than £7.5 million for Francis House Children's Hospital. Above, Kirsty at a younger age with Victoria Beckham (left) and Ronan Keating (right)
McAlpine's co-star, Antony Cotton, added: 'Just heard the news about Kirsty Howard, Manchester's most precious daughter. It was a privilege to have known her.'
In a statement about Kirsty's death, Francis House said: 'Our deepest condolences go to her family. We cannot express enough our humble thanks and gratitude to an incredible young woman.'
David Ireland, chief executive of the hospice, said: 'Francis House had struggled to meet its running costs for many years, Kirsty's fundraising changed that and gave us a measure of security that allowed us to expand and develop our service. Hundreds of children, young people and their families owe a tremendous debt to the young lady whose face made Francis House a household name.'
Born on September 20, 1995, Kirsty became the face of the charity appeal for Francis House Hospice, which was originally opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1991.
Her admirable charity work raised the funds necessary for the long-term future of its care for terminally-ill children and support for their parents.
Having fun: Just several weeks ago, Kirsty (left) had held a special Alice In Wonderland-themed party - which saw her and her loved ones dress up for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party - to celebrate her 20th birthday
Birthday teat: Kirsty celebrates her 14 birthday alongside Caprice Bourret outside Harrods in London
Fundraising: The youngster is pictured competing for charity in the Great Manchester Run on May 26, 2003
The Kirsty Club was launched to expand and improve the service and as a lasting legacy to Kirsty's bravery in battling her health condition while helping the lives of others.
Celebrity supporters of the appeal included Gloria Hunniford, former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, Davina McCall and Watson, who last year dedicated a song to Kirsty, his 'friend'.
In 2001, Kirsty received the Child of Courage Award.
A year later, she was awarded the Pride of Britain Award. And in 2004, the young fundraiser won the Helen Rollason Award for courage at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
In 2007, she was named Young Citizen of the Year by Manchester City Council.
Over the course of her life, Kirsty also met with Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha, Prince Charles, and former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie.
Friends: Opera singer Russell Watson poses in 2002 with Kirsty and a CD of the song that he dedicated to her
Paying tribute: Watson paid tribute to his 'inspirational friend' and 'angel' today, saying his heart was 'aching'
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