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MUM`S TRIBUTE TO `SMILING` LISA

By Clare Wall - Friday, February 29, 2008
MUM`S TRIBUTE TO `SMILING` LISA
Lisa Carpenter.
THE parents of an inspirational young Islander have paid tribute to her determination and smile after she died, aged 21.
Lisa Carpenter, of Whitesmith Road, Newport, was one of only a handful of girls across the globe to have duchenne muscular dystrophy, a muscle-wasting genetic condition which generally affects boys.
She also had to contend with a brain tumour ten years ago, undergoing an 11-hour operation, followed by radiotherapy.
Despite all that, she packed a lot into her life.
In 1999, she was given a Child Of Achievement award and won an award from Lord Attenborough, the lifetime honorary president of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
She also attended a Christmas party hosted by the then chancellor of the exchequer, Gordon Brown, at 11 Downing Street, and through the Make A Wish Foundation she visited the set of BBC TV soap EastEnders.
“She was an exceptionally sociable girl, who didn’t like to relax. She wanted to be out there partying,” said her mother, Kathy Barlow.
“She went to the IW Festival three times in a row, stayed there until the end every night, then came home with friends so they could party through until 3am.“
Lisa, who has a brother, Michael, and stepsisters, Sam and Emma, loved her pets, going out with her father, Ian Carpenter, and enjoyed drawing. She was also a big fan of Westlife.
She attended the IW College for a two-year essential skills course.
She died at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, last week with her family at her bedside.
This week, Mrs Barlow thanked everyone for their kind words and the staff at the hospital for their care.
She said: “Lisa never used to moan. She never stopped smiling.
“People used to say to us, ‘I don’t know how you cope’. But how could you not cope when you had someone like Lisa to inspire you?”
Stepfather Richard added: “We are so glad she touched so many people’s hearts.”
Her funeral will take place at Quay Street Methodist Church, Newport, on Monday at 2pm. Those attending are invited to wear pink, Lisa’s favourite colour.