A LOVING mother will be remembered by her family with a length-of-Britain cycle ride.
The life of Lisa Whitfield was cut short in October after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Now, the County Durham woman’s partner and her brother will cycle from John O’ Groats to Land’s End to pay tribute to her and raise cash for causes close to the 33-year-old’s heart.
But partner Allan Wilkinson and brother Stephen need some help.
They are appealing for the donation of bicycles, sponsorship cash and for hostels to offer them a bed for the night during their 874-mile journey.
Lisa, of Hawes Crescent in Crook, was a fun-loving, kind woman devoted to her family, Allan and Stephen said.
She also leaves behind four children: stepdaughter Michaela Jewitt, 14, Kory, nine, Kaileh, seven, and toddler Peyton, who is now three.
Allan, 43, said: “People will remember Lisa’s smile. She was a very happy person, always polite.
“She never had a nasty word to say about anybody and had time for everyone. She loved her kids.”
Stephen, 35, added: “She was a bubbly person. If there was a party you would know that Lisa was there.”
Allan said his life and those of the youngsters have been torn apart since Lisa fell ill in April last year. He said: “In June Lisa was told she had to go straight to hospital.
“It has been a nightmare. People say you get over it, but I don’t think you do, I think you just live with it.
“Christmas was the worst day of my life, but you have to keep going for the kids.
“Lisa was the bravest person I have ever known. All the time she was ill she didn’t whinge once.”
Cash raised from the mammoth cycling feat will go to the oncology ward at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, where Lisa was treated, and to Macmillan Cancer Care.
“This cycle ride is about the patients and families and the nurses,” Allan said.
“Lisa made friends with all the patients and the nurses on the ward.
“A lot of them were crying when she died and we have had cards from people sent to the house. We are doing this for them.
“If anyone can help with any equipment or can put us up for the night then would they please get in touch?”
Anybody who can help should contact Allan on 07584092371 or alwilkinson@gmx.com
