BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Lisa Shaw dies aged 44

BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Lisa Shaw has died at the age of 44, it has been confirmed.

The presenter died in hospital after battling a short illness.

Shaw’s colleagues paid tribute in a joint statement released by the BBC, which said: ‘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.

‘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.’

The presenter’s family also said in a heartfelt statement: ‘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.

‘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.’

They continued: ‘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.’

BBC Radio Newcastle’s acting executive editor Rik Martin also paid tribute and said that everyone at the station was ‘devastated and thinking about Lisa’s lovely family’.

He added: ‘She was a trusted colleague, a brilliant presenter, a wonderful friend, and a loving wife and mum. 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.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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