You and I met at an Art Therapy Workshop and we clicked straight away. You were never afraid to put your emotions into your artwork, sometimes, they were raw but they were always honest. You were so talented and creative, you could make something beautiful out of virtually anything, like a pearl in an oyster shell. I remember going to Brighton Art Fair with you. We wandered around all the stalls, you were sensible and chose one clean, simple piece which suited your pristine home, I bought four pieces and went over my budget but it was a great day.I came to your home one night because you needed to talk and we chatted over a couple of bottles of wine. Sadly we lost touch after that night for a while but I would always get a Christmas card from you. We met again when you were in Mill View Hospital. I watched you build your life back together bit by bit, we shared tears and hopes and dreams. You did your physiotherapy exercises with determination and perseverance. Once you were mobile again we would meet up regularly for cocktails, a coffee, a meal and some girly chat or some motivational planning! Whatever the occasion you were always great company, fiercely intelligent, well travelled and well read, lively and quick-witted. Sometimes your hair would be purple, then pink, sometimes you wore glittery green eyeshadow, quite often you would have another colourful and intricate tattoo...I do my hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feel?   You had a unique blend of empathy and practicality which helped me and many others in your different roles as a nurse, teacher and mental health support worker. I admired your drive and ambition. I was so proud and pleased for you when you won Gold at the Positive Practice Awards, a fitting tribute to all the hard work you put in as a patient representative, group facilitator and peer mentor.

You gave so much love and kindness to everyone Lisa, I just wish that you could have been kinder to yourself because you are a truly beautiful soul. You were an inspiration to me, you touched so many lives and made them better. I will always love you because you are incredibly special and I will never forget you. Sleep peacefully now, all your tears will be wiped away.

Friends are the angels that lift us up when our wings have forgotten how to fly