A Lincolnshire teenager who survived two gruelling heart transplant operations has finally lost her fight for life.

Debbie Ward (19) passed away suddenly after her second donated heart stopped working.

The youngster, from Belchford, near Horncastle, underwent her first heart transplant when she was just 15-months-old.

Debbie's family have now paid tribute to their daughter who they said remained cheerful right to the end.

She leaves behind mum Dinah (54), dad Barry (55) and younger sister Joanne.

Devastated mum Dinah said: “Debbie was a feisty, determined, loving daughter of whom we were extremely proud and she has left us many happy memories.

“We've received more than 200 cards and messages of condolence for which we are extremely grateful and it shows what high regard she was held in.”

Dr Phil Rees, is a consultant for the paediatric cardiothoracic transplant unit at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, who looked after Debbie since she was a baby.

He said: “We had all wanted so much more from this last transplant.

“She has a really special place with us here and still will have despite her death.

“Debbie has left the world a better place and people have been honoured and pleased to have met her.”

For more on Debbie's heart condition and details of a special service of thanksgiving for her life, see Monday's Lincolnshire Echo.