Farewell Kirsty: funeral of young hospice fundraiser

Kirsty Howard raised £7.5 million for Francis House Hospice Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The funeral takes place today for 20 year old Kirsty Howard - the little girl from Manchester who grew up to be an incredible fundraiser for the hospice which cared for her.Kirsty was an extraordinary girl who raised £7.5 million pounds for St Francis House Hospice in Didsbury.

Suzy Mathis was one of those who spotted Kirsty's astonishing smile at the start - the smile which made Kirsty the poster girl for a massive fundraising appeal. She spoke of her 'incredible spirit.'

Kirsty touched the hearts of everyone she met and defied the doctors who thought she would not reach the age of five. She won support from a long list of well known faces including David and Victoria Beckham.A memorial page was set up after her death for Francis House Hospice https://www.justgiving.com/kirstyclub/