Paraplegic fundraiser who went 'above and beyond' for good causes dies aged 32
The fundraising world of Whitby is in mourning after the death of a paraplegic woman who was well-known for going 'above and beyond' for charitable causes.
Tiffany Pearson, 32, had been paralysed for 15 years after damaging her spine in 2009 due to an unfortunate accident that happened shortly after spinal surgery.
She wrote a book covering her 'physical and emotional' journey as a paraplegic titled 'Bossing Life With An SCI: Triumphs And Tribulations Through A Decade Of Paralysis!' which was published in 2023.
Tiffany passed away on Monday, May 6. In honour of her passing, Whitby Town FC issued a statement saying: "Whitby Town is saddened to learn of the passing of Tiffany Pearson at the age of 32."
"Tiff was a regular at the Towbar Express Stadium on match days and always went above and beyond to support Whitby Town with a variety of fundraising activities, including recently running football card competitions in support of our Pitch Perfect fundraiser.
"Sadly, Tiff peacefully passed away today with her family by her side. Our thoughts at Whitby Town are with Tiffany's family and friends at this difficult time."
Teesside Live previously reported on Tiffany's journey - and how she wanted to show that it is possible to get past trauma and carry on living life. She told Teesside Live: “I was diagnosed with a narrowing of the spinal cord from C2 to C5 in 2009 after I'd been misdiagnosed and treated for Cerebral Palsy for two years. Following tests by a neurologist I had a procedure called a laminectomy on October 26, 2009 with a spell in spinal rehabilitation in months to come.
“The surgery was to prevent paralysis from happening however, after tripping over one morning and having to rest up for a couple of days I woke up on the morning of November 21, 2009 to exactly that, paralysed. I went from being the independent and bubbly 18 year old girl to a girl who felt so broken when my world was flipped upside down.”
Tiffany began the process of writing her book in November 2019. It focuses on the highs and lows she has suffered through paralysis.
She stated that she was trying to send the message that “whatever life may throw at you or what cards you may get dealt, there is light at the end of the tunnel”.