David Beckham pens an emotional tribute to 'inspiring young lady' Kirsty Howard, who he met several times, after she dies from a rare heart condition aged 20
David Beckham has penned an emotional tribute following the sad death of a young woman he called his ‘good luck charm.’
Kirsty Howard, 20, died on Saturday morning after been born with a back-to-front heart – a rare condition that she battled all her life, having initially been given just weeks to live.
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Dad-of-four David took to Instagram to share his sadness at the news of her death, sharing a snap of himself with Kirsty – who dedicated her life to charity work – as a child and praising the fundraising efforts, calling her ‘an inspiration.’
The pair met on various occasions during Kirsty’s short life, including during the opening ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, where they presented the Jubilee Baton to Queen Elizabeth together.
‘Words cannot describe how amazing this young lady has been over the years,’ David’s post begins.
‘Kirsty has been defying doctors for many years and whilst doing that she has been raising millions of pounds for terminally ill children.
‘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.
‘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.’
The touching post gained over half a million likes, with one user commenting: ‘Beautiful words. RIP angel.’
Other stars to pay tribute to Kirsty include Boyzone’s Ronan Keating, Corrie actors Jennie McAlpine and Antony Cotton, and opera singer Russell Watson.
The post Read David Beckham’s emotional tribute as his ‘good luck charm’ dies from rare heart condition appeared first on Celebs Now.