FAMILY, colleagues and patients have paid tribute to a “caring, compassionate and inspirational” York midwife who has lost her lengthy battle against cancer.

Joanna Lishman, 49, of Haxby, leaves behind her husband of 25 years, Graham, and three sons; Luke, 20, Jake, 16, and Joel, 14.

Graham said he and Joanna had had a fantastic marriage and the family would all miss her tremendously.

“She leaves a large hole in our lives and those of many other people,” he said.

He praised staff in York Hospital’s oncology department, saying Joanna had firmly believed no one could have asked for better or more professional and caring treatment than she received.

Joel, who recently hit the headlines with a sponsored coast-to-coast bike ride to raise funds for cancer research, said he had just arrived on a school exchange in Germany when his mother became very seriously ill last weekend and he flew straight back on his own.

“I’m really pleased I managed to get back to see her just in time.”

He said his mother had been inspirational, and had worked so hard for the family.

“We’re already missing her enormously,” he said.

Sarah Galloway, of Haxby, whose children, Becky and Joe, were both born at York Hospital, said Joanna had been a “wonderful” midwife.

“She was so caring and compassionate,” Sarah said.

“The birth of my first child was somewhat traumatic so I was very nervous second time round, but from day one she reassured me it would be fine.

“She was so knowledgeable, and showed such empathy that she inspired confidence.

“I trusted her totally. She made the birth of my son a wonderful experience.”

Liz Ross, maternity services matron at York Hospital, said Joanna had been well known and respected as an inspirational leader who led from the front, and who was dedicated to her profession.

“Joanna was a truly inspirational, caring person.

“She was very proud of her family and had a heart of gold.

“We shall all miss her very much.”

•A service to celebrate Joanna’s life, to be conducted by her minister and friend, Cameron Stirk, will be held at Haxby and Wigginton Methodist Church at 2pm next Friday.