Baroness Chapman of Leeds, the first person with a congenital disability to be appointed to the House of Lords, died on Thursday at the age of 48.

A life-long Leeds United fan, Baroness Chapman, who lived in Roundhay, campaigned as chairwoman of the Leeds United Disabled Organisation (Ludo) on behalf of disabled football fans.

* CLICK HERE TO EMAIL US YOUR TRIBUTES TO BARONESS CHAPMAN.

United's players will today wear black armbands at their home match against Stockport County and a book of condolence has been opened at Elland Road.

The club's chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "Nicky's passing is a tragic loss. She was inspirational, she was a fighter, she was a character, and she was devoted to everything she believed in."

Leeds legend Eddie Gray, the president of Ludo, said: "She was a great champion of the disabled but abled-bodied people would look at her and be amazed at her energy and the way she enjoyed her life."

Born in Leeds 1961 with brittle bone disease, Nicky Chapman defied doctors who predicted she would be blind, deaf and have "no mental function".

She was appointed in 2004 to the House of Lords in recognition of her charity work which saw her helping some of the most disadvantaged in society.

Her maiden speech caused a storm as she condemned the Government's Mental Capacity Bill because "if this Bill had been passed 43 years ago, I would not be here".

She used her position to speak out on a wide range of disability rights issues. Two years ago she revealed that taxi drivers had refused to pick her up 37 times in 12 months because of her wheelchair, nine times in one day in London.

As a young child, no school would accept Nicky Chapman and her parents taught her to read.

When she was eight, she won a place at the John Jamieson School for the Physically Disabled in Leeds and later attended Park Lane College.

She gained a degree in mathematics and business management at Trinity and All Saints College in Leeds.

She gained prominence through her campaigning with Ludo, the Leeds Centre for Integrated Living, which she helped establish, and the Habinteg Housing Association, an organisation that provides practical support for people with disabilities.

Don Fletcher, chairman of the Disability Information and Advice Line and a close personal friend, said: "If the world was full of people like her it would be a better place to live.

"She would do anything for anybody. "

Baroness Chapman was surrounded by her family when she died peacefully at Leeds General Infirmary on Thursday night after a short illness. She had a chest infection.

Her father Peter Chapman, 74, of Meanwood, said: "She was an amazing, remarkable woman for overcoming what she did and achieving so much. This was somebody who in the first five years of her life was never given more than another day to live. She had a wicked sense of humour."

Brother Gary, 50, of Chapel Allerton, said: "Nobody opened as many doors for as many people as she did. It is incredible what she achieved.

Brother Darren, 46, of Oulton, said: "She will be remembered for her absolute and utter determination."

Baroness Chapman was known for her warm humour, charm and campaigning spirit.

Here are just a selection of her light-hearted but at times touching observations about her life made during an interview after she took up her seat in the House of Lords.

ON HER FAMILY BACKGROUND

"I'm from working class parents, born and brought up in Leeds.
"I am the middle child of three; the best part of any sandwich is the filling. I have two brothers so I was very tomboy(ish), preferring cars and football (watching, not playing) to dolls and traditionally girly things."

ON LIVING WITH DISABILITY

"Children are very self-oriented and I never really considered my difference until my teens, as it was never an issue within my family.
"All three children were brought up to believe they could achieve anything if they wanted it enough.
"A complete lie but self-belief is valuable.
"I was, and still am, often laughed at and insulted when out and about.
"I was told in a very matter of fact way by my mother to get used to it or not go out.
"A harsh lesson to learn but a very important one as 40 years on it still happens."

ON HER EDUCATION

"I was educated at home by my parents and had a home tutor for three hours a week until I was eight and a half years old, then 'school' - a segregated education school for children with physical disabilities.
"At 18, Park Lane College of Further Education, a mainstream college with approximately 3,000 students.
"Here, I grew up and passed two A-levels.
"Then Trinity and All Saints College to study a mathematics with planning and administration degree. I passed the first two years and failed my finals."

ON BECOMING A PEOPLE'S PEER

"The citation was for work in the field of disability rights. I was stunned. When the chief executive of the housing association in whose property I live suggested they nominate me for a "People's Peerage" I laughed.
"I felt there was no chance of the Appointments Commission choosing someone who looks as different as I do.
"I firmly believed that if they chose a disabled person at all it would be someone who had become disabled and looked "normal", the "acceptable" face of disability."

ON HER WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS

"Initially I was shocked, proud, and then wondered what on earth I'd got myself into.
"I have to admit, I have never felt as welcome in any new environment as I have in the House of Lords.
"You would have to ask their Lordships if they were ready for me.
"Some seemed unsure how to treat me but everyone made me feel welcome.
"People who seemed hesitant around me initially now accept me as just another member of the House."

ON HER WORK WITH THE LEEDS UNITED DISABLED ORGAINSATION (LUDO)

"LUDO prides itself on being proactive and Leeds United (LUFC) have always been very receptive to the needs of disabled supporters, over and above the minimum legal requirement.
"LUDO work closely with LUFC at the blueprint stage of any building work to ensure problems are addressed at the time when correcting them is the cheapest.
"We have been involved in the design and building of the East Stand and the complete refurbishment of the North Stand area. As legislation changes, this needs to be an ongoing process.
"We need to ensure the relationship between LUFC and LUDO stays strong, as we have a reputation for being one of the best, if not THE best, football ground in the country for disabled supporters."


YOUR TRIBUTES:

Nicky was a truely wonderful woman who will be sorely missed. She was a wonderful character with a great personality.

Lee Hession LUDO member.

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