Lewis Prescott died at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where he had been in intensive care after his third bowel and liver transplant.

The youngster, from Stefano Road, Ribbleton, was the first child in Britain to undergo the procedure three times, and was given just a 50% chance of survival.

But the St Joseph's Catholic Primary School pupil began to suffer kidney problems and died at 4am yesterday.

Family friend Amanda Scott said today: "It is really sad, his little body had just given up.

"There was nothing more they could do for him. Everyone is devastated."

Lewis had his second transplant in a year on August 1 after a transplant in March failed, five years after the first one.

He was born with short bowel syndrome, which affected his ability to digest food, and in his short life he underwent more than 70 operations.

As part of the third transplant Lewis received a liver and bowel from an 11-year-old Belfast boy, and donated his own liver.

His grandmother Denise Rishton said the whole family were left "absolutely devastated" by his death.

She added: "He was the bravest little boy I knew. He brought so much joy to our lives."

Denise also heaped praise on staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital, adding: "Everyone has been absolutely brilliant to us and we've had so much support."

His family, including mum Cheryl Atkinson, were at his bedside as he died.



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