Harriet Stobbs had a rare blood type

Fourteen-month-old Harriet Stobbs, from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, had the operation at Birmingham Children's Hospital in late January.

Her rare AB blood group made it harder to find a donor and she died despite several corrective operations.

A hospital spokesman said she was "a brave and delightful little girl who fought hard for her chance of life".

Her parents Kath, 33, and Rob, 30, had appealed to people to join the Organ Donor Register to give their daughter a chance of life.

'Thoughts and sympathy'

Harriet had spent most of her life in hospital after being born prematurely.

She developed a bowel problem during treatment, which caused liver failure.

Professor Deirdre Kelly, head of the liver unit, paid tribute to Harriet's courage during her treatment.

She said: "She was a brave and delightful little girl who fought hard for her chance of life.

"We have been impressed with all the love and support she has received from her parents, who have been with her constantly, and all our thoughts and sympathy are with them at this difficult time."

In a statement released by the hospital, Harriet's parents, said: "We wish to express our thanks for the kindness and support we have received from the staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital and from the public."