The family of a 29-year-old woman who battled chronic pain for most of her life are hoping to hold the "gayest" party in her honour.
Kelly-Marie Pearce was just 13 when she collapsed at Kirkley High School with a dangerously low heartbeat and was rushed to hospital.
After being transferred out of East Anglia, she had a pacemaker fitted the following week, but complications following the operation led to a lifetime of pain as a result of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).
The 29-year-old passed away at her south Lowestoft home earlier this month.
Her sister Kimberley Hart said: "She was my other half as a sister.
"We were very close in age and did everything together.
"She was the happy part of my life.
"Kelly was like a second mum to my children and her other nieces and nephews.
"She was an amazing auntie and it wasn't fair she couldn't have her own children.
"She came out as gay before she was really poorly and that was a big confidence boost for her."
Inspired by Alan Shearer, Miss Pearce was a passionate Newcastle United fan and a keen footballer in her early years.
Speaking to this newspaper in January 2021, she said: "I went from being 13 and playing football every day to not being able to move because of the pain."
The condition is one form of complex regional pain syndrome, which has no cure and few management options.
It left Miss Pearce unable to work, despite her ambition of becoming a heart surgeon.
Mrs Hart said: "It was a slow downward spiral but her death was still unexpected and sudden.
"She had been in hospital for half of the last year, but was at home being looked after by carers.
"It hasn't sunk in.
"It is a comfort that she isn't in pain anymore, but I can't believe she's gone."
Miss Pearce was a "massive" fan of singer Lucy Spraggan, with the X Factor star donating £500 to a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for her funeral.
The Lucky Stars singer posted on Instagram to share the appeal, saying: "I'm so sad to have learnt the constant friendly face, the wonderful, kind and funny Kelly has passed away.
"Kelly's family are raising money for her funeral costs.
"I know many of you met Kelly at shows and if you have anything to donate it would go a really long way."
Mrs Hart added: "She was a massive fan and I took her to many of Lucy's concerts.
"She had t-shirts, pictures and signed photos."
While Miss Pearce had discussed arrangements with her family, she stopped paying a funeral plan during the cost of living crisis.
Mrs Hart said she wants to make her sister's funeral the "gayest" party she dreamed of.
She said: "She was a proud lesbian and always supported the LGBTQ+ community.
"She wanted it to be really over the top, with her driven in on a motorbike hearse, but unfortunately we can't afford that.
"She'd have her pride flag and Newcastle flag over the coffin.
"She didn't want it to be clichéd with everyone wearing black.
"I was blown away by how many people have donated, whether it's £5 or £500.
"The fact there's over £2,500 from people is incredible.
"Funerals are hard enough without the cost of everything."
To donate, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/kelly-my-smelly-our-battery-operated-kelly
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