Kirsty was only one out of two people in the world to have been born with a back-to-front heart.
She wasn’t expected to live past the age of four, but Kirsty defied all the odds and miraculously made it to age 20, making celebrity friends like David and Victoria Beckham along the way.
Sadly, she passed away a month after her 20th birthday surrounded by her parents and sisters at Manchester Royal Infirmary – a charity she founded.
Kirsty gained recognition when she joined David to launch the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, when they became firm friends.
David and Kirsty at the 2002 Commonwealth Games with the Queen.
“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,” David says in his touching tribute.
“I met Kirsty in 2002 when she became the nation’s and my good luck charm for the game against Greece, we also met the Queen together in Manchester. So you could say we have spent some amazing moments together over the years, and it was an inspiration to meet such a brave young lady with so much drive for helping others.”
In a moving Facebook post, he wrote, “My love and thoughts go to Kirsty’s parents and sisters as this inspirational young lady will be missed … My heart and love goes to Kirsty for letting me be a small part of your world over the years. Rest in peace ❤❤”
Kirsty raised more than $14.7 million for Manchester’s Francis House Children’s Hospital. She had begun her secondary education, studying childcare at college, and hoped to become a teacher for children with special needs.
Last month, as she celebrated her birthday, Kirsty looked back at her life.
“It’s great to be celebrating my birthday today and it’s lovely to reflect over how much has been achieved. But everything I have done has been to help others.”
Rest in peace, Kirsty.
The inspiring little girl with Victoria Beckham.
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