Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has moved fans around the world with a deeply emotional tribute to her late mother Cath, marking 13 years since her death. The actress, best known for her long-standing role as Mandy Dingle, took to Instagram to reflect on the anniversary—and shared a heartfelt post that left many in tears.

The post featured a simple but powerful image: a heart-shaped locket. Inside, two photos—one of Lisa, and one of her radiant mother, Cath. Alongside the image, Lisa penned words that spoke of grief, love, and the kind of absence that time cannot mend.

“My beloved Mum Cath is my forever angel,” Lisa began. “Planted so deeply on my heart, I still cry constantly, I still have moments of confusion as to why she’s not here.”

Her mother, Cath, died in 2012 at the age of just 58 after a battle with secondary breast cancer. The loss has remained an open wound in Lisa’s life, and this year, she chose to be raw and honest with her fans—letting them into the quiet, ongoing pain that anniversaries reignite.

“I still look at full families on days out and feel pain in my heart because I miss her so much,” Lisa continued. “I had endless moments yesterday when I was with my nephews and niece, crying because I want her here, enjoying time together.”

But it wasn’t just grief Lisa wanted to share—it was also a celebration. Of a woman who brought sunshine into every room she entered. “You had to know and love my Mum Cath to understand why… once met never ever forgotten. She brought endless joy, she made everyone she met laugh.”

Lisa’s words struck a chord with followers who have also lost loved ones. Her honesty about the loneliness, the confusion, and the longing years after a parent’s death resonated across generations. “Today is the anniversary of when she left us—passed away and went to heaven—finding myself in disbelief that it’s 13 years ago,” she wrote.

Then, in a beautifully symbolic gesture, she added: “If you see a yellow flower, smile a happy smile for my Mum Cath… as she brought yellow light to all of us. Love you so much Mum.”

Outside of her on-screen persona, Lisa has become a public advocate for bereavement support and awareness. She’s partnered with the charity Sue Ryder as part of their “Back For a Moment” campaign—an initiative focused on providing comfort and resources to people navigating grief.

“There are times when I’m on my own and I think about my mum and she’s not there, not coming back,” Lisa shared through the campaign. “You can do whatever suits you to help you get through, because nobody’s story is ever the same. For some, that’s memories or laughter.”

For Lisa, laughter is key. Her mother was known for her wit and warmth, and Lisa often says that keeping Cath’s spirit alive through joy is what gives her strength. “My mum was just so sharp and so quick-witted and we keep her legacy alive through laughter,” she said.

Lisa Riley first became a household name in 1995 when she joined Emmerdale as the bold and spirited Mandy Dingle. Over the years, Mandy has been involved in some of the soap’s most iconic and heartfelt storylines—many of which have touched on family, loss, and identity. Off-screen, Lisa’s own journey has mirrored that same emotional richness.

In recent Emmerdale episodes, Mandy and longtime love Paddy Kirk have been making house adjustments, which stirred tensions with Paddy’s father Bear. And while storylines promise more drama ahead for the Dingles, Lisa’s fans now see another side of her—one marked by deep personal resilience and open-hearted advocacy.

As messages of support flood in from fellow actors and fans, Lisa’s tribute serves as a reminder: grief doesn’t follow a timetable. It lives with you, grows with you, and sometimes, on anniversaries like this one—it speaks through you.