'You brought joy wherever you were'

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 29 May 2017


THE grieving daughter of one of the Manchester terrorist attack victims has paid tribute to "the best mum in the universe" and promised to make her proud.

Lisa Lees (43) from Royton died alongside her friend Alison Howe (44) as they waited for their teenage daughters India and Darcy to meet them in the foyer of the Manchester Arena.

Year 10 Blue Coat School pupil India called her mother "my angel", adding that she loved her more than anything.

She said: "You were the best mum in the universe and the bestest friend that I could ask for.

"You always cheered me up when I was upset and have always been there for me. You have the most beautiful smile and most caring eyes.

"You are loved by everyone. I will forever miss our girly days out and talking to you about everything.

"You taught me to 'believe' in myself and to do my best. I will make you proud mum, I promise."

Lisa, a hair and beauty tutor at Oldham College, had won an award after founding a service which provided aromatherapy to children with life-limiting conditions

Her husband Anthony said his "heart has been ripped apart" by the tragedy adding: "Lisa you are my beautiful, gorgeous wife. You are my life, my soulmate, my best friend. I love you so much and always will. Life will never be the same again.

"Lisa you really were such an amazing woman, the perfect mum to India and Lauren, and the coolest nanna to Jayden. You brought joy and happiness wherever you were and whoever you were with. You achieved so much in your career as a beauty therapist. We are all so proud of what you achieved."

Her mother Elaine Hunter, who was on holiday at the time of the attack, also paid tribute to a "wonderful daughter, wife and mother and sister" and should have had a "great life head".

She said: "To my beautiful amazing daughter Lisa, I am so proud of you for what you achieved.

"Little did I know that when I spent the day with you on Sunday 14 May, it would be the last time I got to hold you as your life was cut short before your time through a cowardly act of murder, and worse was I was on holiday in Turkey.

"You were a wonderful daughter, wife and mother and sister. You achieved such a lot in your life, graduating only last year from university. Before that you won an award of excellence in London for your work with children who had complex mental health issues.

"You were an inspiration to all and should have had a great life ahead of you.

"Instead at the age of 43 your time on earth ended, you are now an angel in god's garden.

"The last five years you looked after and supported me through my illness along with your brother Lee.

"Don't know how we will go on without you but I know you would want us too, my darling daughter I love you now and forever."