Groundbreaking peer dies aged 48

Baroness Chapman has been described as "irreplaceable"

Baroness Nicky Chapman, the first person with a congenital disability to be appointed to the House of Lords, has died aged 48.

Born in Leeds with brittle bone disease she was elected to the House of Lords under the People's Peer scheme in 2004.

Well known for her campaigning, wit and determination, Baroness Chapman was also chair of the Leeds United Disabled Supporters Organisation (Ludo).

She received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2005.

She was a very special lady - very determined. Nothing was too much trouble for Nicky. She'd do anything for anybody Diane Forth, friend

Baroness Chapman died in Leeds General Infirmary on Thursday evening, her friend Diane Forth said.

Ms Forth, secretary of Ludo, said Leeds United were planning to open up a condolence book in the disabled suite at the ground on Saturday.

The club's players will also be wearing black armbands for their home match against Stockport County.

Ms Forth called Baroness Chapman "irreplaceable".

Ms Forth said: "She was a very special lady - very determined. Nothing was too much trouble for Nicky. She'd do anything for anybody.

"I lost my husband in November and she supported me through it. She was my best friend."

Baroness Chapman defied doctors who predicted she would be blind and deaf and have little or no mental function.

She received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2005.

A spokeswoman from The Brittle Bone Society said Baroness Chapman had "done much to further the cause of people with health conditions and physical disabilities through leading by example".

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