Hundreds line the streets for funeral of fundraiser Kirsty Howard

Hundreds of people have lined the streets of Manchester for the funeral of fundraiser Kirsty Howard.

The 20-year-old, who was born with her heart back to front, died last month at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Her life was celebrated by family and friends at St Michael & All Angels Church at Wythenshawe in Manchester.

Crowds turned out along the route to watch and applaud the cortege carrying her pink coffin, as it travelled to the church.

During the service, Reverend Stephen Edwards described Kirsty's energy to the packed church.

A series of images showing her growing up was played to the congregation on a screen at the front of the church.

Her eulogy was given by family friend Susie Mathis, who was a supporter of her charity, The Kirsty Club.

When she was born, Kirsty's parents Lynn and Steve were told their daughter would not live past her fourth birthday.

But Kirsty, who had a rare condition that meant her heart was back to front, went on to defy the odds. She was the only British child with her illness, and one of only two in the world.

She threw herself into fundraising, setting up The Kirsty Club, and raising more than £7.5m for Francis House Children's Hospice in Manchester. The hospice was originally opened by Princess Diana in 1991.

Kirsty's efforts helped to secure its long-term future, providing care for terminally-ill children and support for their parents.

Many famous names became involved with her fundraising efforts, including opera singer Russell Watson and former England captain David Beckham.

The singer's track, Is Nothing Sacred Anymore, which he had recorded for Kirsty, was played as her coffin was carried into the church.

When he heard the news of her death, he tweeted "My inspirational friend Kirsty Howard is with the Angels. My heart is aching so much. RIP Angel forever xxxx".

Read more: David Beckham pays heartfelt tribute to 'inspirational' fundraiser