A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number 1205165)

Blossom's Corner

Lisa Jones
Lisa was a founding Trustee of Greater Manchester Long Covid Support, and an integral part of establishing this charity.

Lisa sadly passed away on 13th January 2024.

As you explore this page, we hope you find inspiration in the stories and memories shared, and carry forward the values she so passionately embodied.

Her legacy lives on in all that we do, and the Trustees want to dedicate this page to Lisa. We have called it “Blossom’s Corner”, after her nickname Blossom at Scouts, where she volunteered weekly and had such a positive impact on the lives of so many.

We want to tell you all about the brilliant person that Lisa was, but we couldn’t possibly do it better than Lisa did herself! Here is an extract from our “Trustees Corner” within the winter edition of the GM Long Covid newsletter, that was published in December 2023. Lisa wasn’t the most confident in her writing and so we were really proud of her for agreeing to write a piece about herself. We know she spent hours on this and it really captures the essence of who our Lisa was.

"I've been a patient since the second I was born; I've seen many changes in the NHS and different progress. I also know what it's like being a child unwell, a teenager, a young adult and an older adult picking up different health conditions along the way. "  

"I've been a patient representative and volunteering for the NHS for nearly 10 years. Speaking at conferences, working on projects, deputy chair of the public and patients' advisory group for Manchester integrated care partnership sitting in important meetings like Health Hearts, health lungs and pharmacy meetings, Manchester University for student nurses and student doctors, Leeds University for projects, volunteer tutor for expert patients' program etc with other volunteering too. I love volunteering it really helps with my conditions, keeping active and looking after my mental health."

"In the early 90's I was an extra in Coronation Street many times as my high school, Hope High, was the setting for Weatherfield High School. "             

"I have a beautiful niece and 3 handsome nephews who are my entire world. Unfortunately, I can't have children, but my sister and brother make me a big part of their children's lives, and I love that they do. I also have a fur nephew called Kobe who I also sometimes look after, and I spend more time holding his paw than I do the children's hands."

"I volunteer as a leader with Scouts, and even though there are many things I can't do like hikes, and camping (whoop), I'm still very much a part of the team."

"I love everything beauty I'm a trained level 3 hairdresser and did lots of beauty training, and even though I can't do it as a job, it was something I wanted to do for myself. My makeup is more than just makeup it's my security blanket, it makes me look "well" even when I'm not. I do look after my skin every day as the skin is the largest organ of the body and it shows what's going on inside and outside."   

"I love music from Linkin Park to Britney Spears it's very varied, and I have multiple song lists on Spotify for different moods."    

"I was taught by my medical team to always try and stay positive even when times are hard, as it's positivity that keeps you going. I also changed my mindset from saying I suffer to saying I'm living with this. Also, life is a journey, and everyone's path is different, but what you do for yourself is right for you and no one else. "

This image has been put together using a combination of the words that our members used to describe Lisa.

Lisa and GM Long Covid Support

Lisa was a founding Trustee of Greater Manchester Long Covid Support. She worked incredibly hard and gave up endless hours to volunteer for us.

“I love volunteering it really helps with my conditions, keeping active and looking after my mental health. ~ Lisa”

Lisa took on the role of Co-Engagement Lead, which involved running weekly Zoom support sessions, hosting face-to-face meet-ups, welcoming all new members and dealing with member enquiries, and so much more behind the scenes.

As well as taking on these responsibilities, Lisa supported the other Trustees in their roles. She was always the first to volunteer to help somebody out if they had too much to manage, and was eager to learn new skills. All the Trustees can agree she was the most patient and kind out of us all when it came to our lively debates about setting up GM Long Covid, waiting her turn to talk using the hands up feature on Zoom while we all talked over each other! Whenever someone else was unwell or having a difficult time, you could guarantee a message from Lisa checking in, offering a catch-up or sending hugs.

Lisa lived with long-term health conditions for her whole life. She did not let her difficulties dampen her spirit, and she maintained a positive attitude and determination.

“Always try and stay positive even when times are hard. ~ Lisa”

Not only was Lisa a Trustee, but she was also a member of GM Long Covid and a friend to so many of our members. Lisa’s caring nature and unwavering dedication to our cause was truly inspiring. She touched the lives of all of our members that met her (in person or virtually) and has left a lasting impact. We will all miss her kindness, humour, knowledge and friendship.

Lisa was so proud of the community we created. She saw all of our members as her friends, and often went the extra mile for them. She enjoyed chatting away about anything and everything, and brought forward the idea of hosting “Friday night socials” on Zoom, to offer some company to members that might be feeling lonely. She created a quiz, and was soon joined by our member Rob hosting online bingo too! Lisa loved these socials so much that she often stayed on for hours and hours longer than the agreed time!

Lisa was a beacon of kindness and compassion, always putting others before herself. Her positive outlook on life brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to

GM Long Covid Support, helping us reach new heights in our charitable mission.

Lisa's Legacy

While we mourn the loss of Lisa, we also celebrate the incredible legacy she leaves behind.

The Trustees endeavour to keep Lisa’s spirit alive in all that we do with Greater Manchester Long Covid Support. Her legacy will live on.

Monthly Social Nights

Lisa brought to life the idea of social events taking place on Zoom, as a place for members who might not be able to socialise freely and may be feeling lonely. In doing so, she created a safe space for our members to come together and forget about their health issues for a couple of hours, and just have a laugh with friends. Our member Rob became the trusted bingo caller, setting up games of online bingo each time to keep the spirits high!

Our Trustees are honouring Lisa by running a monthly social event and quiz night on Zoom, and Rob will continue to be our best bingo caller for the newly named “Blossom’s Bingo”. He saves Card #1 for Lisa every month.

Lisa’s Funeral

Over £1,000 was raised at Lisa’s funeral and wake, to be shared with the charities that were close to Lisa’s heart:

· Scouts

· Dementia UK

· Antibiotic Research UK

Antibiotics Research UK

Lisa was one of Antibiotics Research UK’s most dedicated ambassadors for four years. She wrote two articles that were published on their website if you would like to read these articles about antibiotic resistance and Lisa’s story please click links below.

https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/stories/lisas-story/

https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/blog/lisa-jones-on-her-work-at-manchester-university-and-living-with-significant-illness/

Antibiotic Research UK have published a heartfelt article in memory of Lisa, which you can read here https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/in-loving-memory-of-lisa-jones/]

“Lisa’s resilience and cheerful spirit were truly remarkable. Despite facing numerous health issues, she embraced life with an extraordinary outlook that inspired everyone around her. Her warmth, sense of humour, and willingness to help others coping with their illnesses left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. ~ Antibiotic Research UK”.

The Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2024

In July 2024, Lisa was posthumously awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award at The Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2024. Lisa’s siblings collected the award on her behalf and received a standing ovation from the attendees. Lisa was a real champion in our eyes, and we are so pleased it has been recognised more widely.

Lisa’s Life Lessons

Our Lisa was truly one of a kind. Her wisdom and radiant outlook on life has left an mark at GM Long Covid and on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lisa’s lessons continue to inspire and guide us. We are working with our members to put together a list of “Lisa’s Life Lessons”, to capture the essence of Lisa and the profound impact she had on our community.

Keep an eye on this page, as it will continue to be updated.

“Life is a journey, and everyone's path is different. ~ Lisa”