Eileen's brother died from the same disease two years ago

Eileen Doran, 31, who is from an Irish travelling family, was being treated for incurable brain disease mitochondria cytopathy.

Doctors at the Walton Neurological Centre in Liverpool decided not to resuscitate her if she stopped breathing, but her family objected.

They took the case to the High Court, where a judge ruled there were "no advantages" to prolonging survival.

Mr Justice Coleridge said earlier this month: "In my judgment she should be allowed as dignified a passing as is achievable."

'Sincere sympathies'

He said Miss Doran's family, who are Irish travellers based in Liverpool, had given "heartrending" evidence on why she should be kept alive, but he had to consider the patient's best interests, not the family's.

Miss Doran died on Tuesday with her family by her bedside.

Bev Humphrey, chief executive of the Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery NHS Trust, said: "The hospital and all the doctors and nurses that cared for Eileen during this fatal illness did all they could to ensure she was looked after to the highest possible standards.

"We extend our sincere sympathies to Eileen's parents and relatives for their tragic loss."

Eileen's brother, Miley, 17, died from the same disease two years ago.