Anguish as disease kills mum

A DAD has paid an emotional tribute to his childhood sweetheart following her death just days after testing positive for Covid-19.

Lisa Mooney, from the New Lodge area of North Belfast, found out she had the virus on February 18 – her 41st birthday.

The mum of four who suffered from Addison’s disease – a rare disorder of the adrenal glands – lost her battle with coronavirus just four days later and died at home on February 22. Her husband Robert was “inconsolable” at losing his best friend who was “full of happiness” and “so caring”.

“We were childhood sweethearts. I met her when I was 15 and she was 14, so we have been together a very long time,” said Robert, who has twins Oran and Caoimhin, 19, Darragh, 15, and seven-year-old Fionn with Lisa.

He added: “From the day I met her to the day she died, she was the same person. She was a bubbly girl, a chatty girl, she would chat to anyone, even if she didn’t know them.

“She was so caring around the community. If there was a crisis anywhere she was there to offer help. She always put people before herself. She was a terrific wife, done everything you ever asked of her.

“She took care of the kids immensely, they were her life, she was a terrific mother to them and we loved each other dearly. I am going to miss her so much, she was my best friend and I am so happy I got to know her. Even though our life together was cut short, I got 27 years with her full of happiness.”

Lisa’s funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11am at Holy Family Chapel. She will be cremated at Roselawn.