Lisa Shaw: BBC Radio Newcastle presenter dies aged 44 - BBC News
Colleagues and listeners remember a "true professional" known for her humour and infectious laugh.
Lisa Shaw had a successful career in commercial radio before joining the BBC

Family, listeners and colleagues have paid tribute to a BBC local radio presenter who has died aged 44.

Lisa Shaw, who joined BBC Radio Newcastle's daytime team in 2016, died in hospital after a short illness.

Her voice was well-known in the north-east of England, where she had also had success in commercial radio.

BBC Radio Newcastle's acting executive editor Rik Martin said everyone at the station was "devastated and thinking about Lisa's lovely family".

"She was a trusted colleague, a brilliant presenter, a wonderful friend, and a loving wife and mum," he said.

"She loved being on the radio and was loved by our audiences.

"We've lost someone special who meant a great deal to a great many people."

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A statement from Ms Shaw's family described the mother-of-one as an "amazing person" who had "touched and enriched so many people's lives, and made them better just by being in it".

"We are all completely heartbroken, in disbelief, numb, and saddened, that there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that will never, ever be filled," they said.

"We are so grateful for the time that we have had with her, and there are so many happy memories that we will hold dear for the rest of our lives.

"She was the best wife and mammy, sister, daughter, aunty, friend and colleague that anyone could hope for.

"She loved connecting every day with the wonderful people of the North East, and it gives us great comfort to know how many lives she was an integral part of every single day.

"We'd like to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support we have received at such a difficult time, reinforcing how deeply cherished she was by so many people. We will love and miss her, always."

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Ms Shaw was from County Durham and studied at Bournemouth University.

The hash tag "RIP Lisa" was trending on Twitter after her death was announced on Sunday morning, with listeners and colleagues paying tribute.

One called her a "broadcasting legend" while another said she had "an infectious laugh that we all remember".

Her BBC colleague Stephanie Finnon said Ms Shaw was an "incredible presenter" who was "hilarious, unflappable, the ultimate pro", while co-worker Martin Lindsay said he would "best remember the countless laughs and general silliness".

Ms Shaw had also worked for North East commercial stations, Metro Radio, Heart, Century Radio and Real Radio, where she won the Sony Gold Award for breakfast show of the year.

Chris Burns, head of BBC Local Radio, said: "Lisa was a talented presenter who had already achieved a lot and would have achieved much more."

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