Heartbreaking Twist as Mum Mourns Daughter and Her Best Friend’s Tragic Fate

Joan Lawrence, the mother of missing chef Claudia Lawrence, has opened up about her heartbreak after discovering that her daughter’s childhood best friend, Lisa Welford, was tragically murdered, according to the Daily Mail. Lisa, who grew up inseparable from Claudia, was killed by her abusive ex-partner earlier this year in a harrowing case of domestic violence.

Lisa, 49, was drowned by Vincent Morgan, 47, in the River Derwent near Joan’s home in Malton, North Yorkshire. Police revealed Morgan had a “long history” of domestic abuse and was under a restraining order to stay away from Lisa at the time of her death. Joan, 81, shared her devastation, saying: “I was numb with shock. How could two children that had grown up together have such terrible things happen to them?”, reported by the Mirror.

Joan recalled Lisa and Claudia’s deep childhood bond, describing them as “angels” who were inseparable from their first day of school. They spent hours playing outdoors, attending birthday parties, and going on family holidays together. Joan reflected on their special friendship: “Lisa was like Claudia’s shadow. They went everywhere together. It was such a happy friendship.”

When Joan learned of Lisa’s death, she was overcome with grief. “I just couldn’t believe it. I sobbed as I thought about that little girl who had been such a big part of our lives,” she said. Joan added that she hasn’t been able to walk past the section of the river where Lisa was killed.

Joan expressed her horror at Lisa’s violent death and emphasized the importance of addressing domestic abuse. “Women have suffered for far too long at the hands of men. The focus must shift to men not being abusive, rather than women being forced to find a way out.”

Reflecting on the loss of both women, Joan shared her enduring pain, especially during the holidays. “Every year I dread Christmas without Claudia. My daughter, like Lisa, should be here. There’s always a missing place at the table,” she said. Joan takes solace in small moments, like the appearance of a robin in Claudia’s garden, saying: “There’s an old saying, ‘If a robin is here, a loved one is near.’ It makes me feel closer to Claudia in a small way.”

Joan and Lisa’s mother, Rita, remain united in their grief, having shared the joys of their daughters’ childhoods and now the unbearable pain of their absence. Joan said: “No parent should endure this agony. Claudia and Lisa were inseparable as children, and now we can only hope they are together once more.”