KIRSTY Howard had never been on a plane before, so when she finally did climb on board, she went first class - on Concorde.

While the supersonic aircraft remained firmly on the ground at Manchester Airport, having been retired in 2004, brave Kirsty thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Dressed as an air stewardess, she toured the aircraft and cockpit at the Concorde viewing suite.

Just days before the visit, the youngster was being treated in Wythenshawe Hospital for a chest infection.

Organisers feared the treat would have to be cancelled, but Kirsty was determined to make it and after the tour of the aircraft, she was discharged from hospital.

She said: "I had a brilliant time."

Kirsty fronted a massive fundraising drive to secure the long-term future of Francis House Hospice, Didsbury, which hit its £5m target last year.

She is no longer fundraising, but the new campaign for Francis House, named the K Club, aims to raise £2m to build a new facility, which will be named after her.

The hospice looks after 200 Greater Manchester families and there are 400 others waiting.

Now Kirsty, famous for her long friendship with soccer icon David Beckham, has set her sights even higher.

She announced that she would now like to meet Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch - who stands at a towering 6ft 7in.

Kirsty was born with her heart back to front and other organs misplaced. But she has defied all the odds, despite being given just six weeks to live in 1999 and her bravery has impressed and touched the hearts of millions.