A CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer who underwent a record-breaking heart and lung transplant as a child has lost her long battle for life, just two days after her 23rd birthday.

Sonny-Brogan Lang, of Tadcaster, who became the youngest person with CF ever to receive a double transplant when she was four, died early on Tuesday at St James' Hospital, Leeds.

Her mother Anna said she and Sonny's father Marc wanted to pay tribute to their fun-loving daughter, who never let her condition prevent her enjoying life - even after being told last autumn she was terminally ill.

"She was determined to live life to the full right up to the end," she said. "She was in and out of hospital but managed to come home for Christmas and then asked if we could have a New Year's Eve party at home.

"I thought about the cleaning up afterwards but then said yes, and we had such a fantastic night.

"About 80 or 90 turned up. It took four days to clear up afterwards but it was worth it! Sonny was such a fun-loving person who took life by the throat and was determined to wrest everything she could out of it.

"She also wanted a party to celebrate her birthday but she fell unconscious on Friday and wasn't aware of it when it was her birthday on Sunday.

"She drew up a bucket list of things she wanted to do while she was still alive, including a trip to Disneyland Florida, but unfortunately she suffered a collapsed lung and wasn't able to go."

York Press:

Photos of Sonny Lang, used with consent of her family 

Mrs Lang paid tribute to staff at St James' for the treatment they had given to Sonny over the years. "They were fantastic - they had cared so well for her for more than 20 years," she said.

Tributes to Sonny have been pouring in online from people who knew and loved her.

Former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough footballer Gordon Boateng, who got to know her through a charity match held at Tadcaster Albion Football Club, said on Facebook: "This is a sad day for all that knew this strong, funny, pocket rocket, full of life young lady, who for many years defeated the odds, survived when others said she would leave much earlier."

Tadcaster Albion tweeted: "Rest in Peace @SunshineBrogan and fly high! We Love You Sonny❤️ Until We Meet Again."

A friend, Charlotte Carruthers, posted: "Feel so sick, absolutely heartbreaking to wake up to see that the bravest and biggest fighter I know has sadly passed away."

Another friend, Jonathan Cotton, posted: "R.I.P. Sonny-Brogan Clark, one of the most beautiful and courageous souls I've ever had the pleasure to know," while Kelly Anne Threlfall said: "You were vibrant, beautiful and so strong! A diva with a zest for life that couldn't be matched."