A fundraiser has died aged 20 - after she was given just weeks to live 16 years ago.

Kirsty Howard was the only British child - and one of only two worldwide - born with a back-to-front heart.

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

The youngster accompanied David Beckham to hand over the ceremonial baton as the Queen opened the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

She became a tireless fundraiser, raising more than €10m for Francis House Children's Hospital in Manchester, and winning a host of famous admirers.

She died in hospital at 1.38am on Saturday surrounded by her family, a spokesman said.

Her parents, along with sisters Zoe and Kim, were at the bedside at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Her fundraising efforts won the support pop stars, Hollywood actors and politicians as she continued to defy medical odds.

During her life she also overcame her illness to study childcare at college and got 12 GCSEs.

She was also a proud auntie before she died just a month after her 20th birthday.

News of her death was met with hundreds of messages of condolence on Twitter.

Amanda Sweeney 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."