Kirsty Howard

After surviving 11 operations, including 9 heart surgeries, Howard was considered too fragile to receive anaesthesia and the only option was palliative care.

[7] She needed around-the-clock care, including continuous oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula connected to a 45 pounds (20 kg) cylinder.

Piccadilly Radio presenter Susie Mathis, who had been paying attention to the facility since its start, decided to take the challenge of designing a fundraising campaign with her team.

In 2002, Howard, along with Beckham, presented the Jubilee Baton to Queen Elizabeth II during the opening ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

In 2003, Howard started the inaugural Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run, and took part in the race herself, via wheelchair, wearing the Number 1 vest.

[11] In 2006, Richard Fleeshman sang for Howard on Soapstar Superstar and donated his £200,000 prize money to The Kirsty Appeal.

[16] Howard died on 24 October 2015 at the Manchester Royal Infirmary with her family at her bedside after developing first a kidney infection and then a heart attack.