TRIBUTES are being made to Frome cancer campaigner, Lisa Wells, following her death on Saturday 17th August after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2017.
Flowers from families in Frome and those wanting to pay their respects were laid on the Boyles Cross fountain last week in Lisa’s memory.
Lisa is survived by her husband Dan Wells and two young daughters, Ava and Saffia. She spent time after her diagnosis campaigning to reduce the age that people can get bowel screenings. To spread her campaign, Lisa set up a charity group, ‘Lisa’s Army UK’ which was supported by family and friends, as well as thousands of people who were inspired by her work.
She was recognised nationally when she was chosen as HELLO! magazine’s Star Mum of 2018, and she appeared on the popular daytime television show This Morning. Lisa also co-wrote a children’s book which supports families affected by cancer.
Dan announced the news on social media saying, “At 5am this morning Lisa lost her battle with cancer. She’s now at peace, no more pain, no more suffering. Sleep tight you absolute warrior, you won the hearts of many.”
Alongside her supporters, Lisa raised money for her two daughters’ future using JustGiving, as well as various charities including We Hear You; Mummy’s Star, the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy and Dorothy House.
The children’s book she co-wrote with local author, Michelle Robinson, helps children who may be faced with the loss of a parent.
She was also awarded HELLO! magazines ‘Star Mum’ award, JustGiving’s ‘Crowdfunder of the year’ award, ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ run by the Daily Mail, and switched on Frome’s Christmas lights in 2018 alongside former mayor Richard Ackroyd and Frome Times’ person of the year Rachel Clark.
She also helped to organise many events to crowdfund and fundraise for charity including a Mother’s Day walk on the Westbury White Horse, a music gig at the Cheese and Grain, as well as a family fun day.
Author Michelle Robinson said, “Working with Lisa on ‘Only One Of Me’ was an absolute privilege. Lisa put her heart and soul into her book. With a heart and soul like Lisa’s, that makes it very special indeed.
“Like everything Lisa did, the project was fuelled by her energy and generosity, all driven by her love for Ava and Saffia. Their mum’s lovely voice can still be heard on every page. Her comforting message will carry on being heard for years to come.”
Frome charity We Hear You said, “Lisa was an inspiration to so many people locally and did amazing work opening up the conversation about the physical and emotional impact of cancer on an individual and everyone connected to them.
“WHY were delighted to benefit from the publication of Lisa’s beautiful picture book ‘Only One of Me’, written with local author Michelle Robinson for children facing the loss of a parent.
“In addition to receiving half of all royalties from sales, we’ve been able to distribute crowdfunded copies with other families facing bereavement and with some of the organisations we work with. Our thoughts are with Lisa’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
HELLO! magazine also released the following statement, “Lisa Wells, HELLO!’s Star Mum of 2018, was a mum in a million. Brave and determined to leave a legacy of love and joy for her daughters. Everyone at HELLO! is devastated for her family. Your star will shine bright, Lisa. You were an inspiration to us all.”
Messages of love are being shared by everyone on the Lisa’s Army UK Facebook page as well as people choosing to have the Lisa’s Army logo on their profile pictures in memory of Lisa.
