I didn’t know you Louise but my mum was a driving instructor and took part in the big learner relay a few times. She loved it and we all loved seeing her decorate her car. She passed away last year from a brain tumour at 54. Two amazing women gone too soon. Thank you for all you did. Xx
Just found this photo from car fest 4 years ago
I left the industry 4 years ago now and unfortunately had cut ties with everyone. It was only upon looking up the BLR that I learned of the sad passing of such a lovely inspiring woman that Lou was.
I met Lou back in 2016 on the BLR as I was lead car. I only qualified the year before so was the first opportunity I could join and I jumped at the chance. I was slightly out of area so I had not much support on my leg. She was so kind and caring. She gave me the warmest hug upon meeting her and her smile just lit up it was infectious. I got to know her quite well over the next couple of years. She helped me pass my standards check and was always willing to chat whether it be about a lesson or just advice. She was so happy for me when I met my now husband. I managed to introduce him to her at car fest and she approved. I wanted to reach out to her a couple of months ago but I was too late. I wish I had kept in touch with her just to see how each other were doing. Thank you for all your guidance and support. You will be truly missed by all who knew you. My heart goes out to Blaine and all the family. Thinking of you
Lou came in to my life when I needed her most. She believed in me and lifted me up when I was down. She combined empathy and passion with brilliance. I have just read Blaine’s email about organ donation. Even after death she is an inspiration. I wish I had known her longer and my heart goes out to Blaine, her family and friends. I will treasure my memories of the time we spent together.
There was/were…
A vicar blessing the cars with holy water
A town crier announcing our presence
Colleagues uniting
A community dressed in local attire
A friend dressed as Pudsey
School children waving us on and making posters
Parents donating
Learners gaining confidence and feeling special for a day
And there was CAKE!!
All because of you…Lou..
Thank you x
There really are not enough words (in my vocabulary anyway) to describe the amazing Lou. Such a kind, caring, compassionate, funny person. A force of nature & a powerhouse when it came to work & the Big Learner Relay. A genuinely beautiful person inside & out who always put her best effort into everything she did. I’ve always been a little bit in awe, & as it was so perfectly said at her funeral, I’m going to do my best to ‘be more Lou’.
She is & will continue to be very much missed by so many 💔
It’s taken me a few weeks to be able to try and think of what I can say that will do a remote bit of justice to Lou. I realised there’s nothing I can say that can live up to expressing the brilliance of this woman. Its an understatement to say that she changed people’s lives. The entire industry will not be the same without her. I can’t imagine the pain Blaine and her family are going through. No one can prepare for such imaginable grief and shock.
Lou inspired me in so many ways. Not only in my professional career but also in my personal life. Lou achieved so much in her short life but her huge legacy lives on with so many. I’ve never known any non celebrity to be so well known and adored by so many. I am in no way surprised as I was honoured to have known and be trained by her. She helped me become the instructor I am today. I am grateful for knowing Lou, thank you.
Beautiful inside and out. Inspirational, full of positivity and generous with her knowledge and genuine care for others, no matter what was happening personally. My mantra “be more Lou”. If I can be half the person Lou was, I will be very proud and eternally grateful that she helped me be that person.
Love and best wishes to Blaine and all of Lou’s family. I cannot imagine what you are going through.
Sleep dreams Lou x
I never had the pleasure of meeting you but you still touched my life with your knowledge, help and support. Thank you Lou for everything you’ve given to all who have learnt from you on their Driving Instructor and PDI journeys.
We all send love, peace and blessings to you and your family as you take your final journey home and theirs with treasured memories. 🙏
PT3 course May 2018… approaching my last attempt and needed help. A long way from home, I was a teary mess that day (some personal stuff had come with me). Lots that you said that day was a bit of a blur, but enough was absorbed and you worked your magic on my 2nd attempt score sheet to help me fill in the gaps… I continued watching your clips, interacting on the pink fbook group and taking in all things Lou (and Blaine). I qualified in July 18 and can’t thank you enough.
Since then we’ve had encounters, zoom sessions, conference hellos and then last year BLR lead car with a fruit basket, Nessa and my learner Cara… I made my radio debut with you (BBC Somerset), and then quick as that, it was over 😕
A quick hi and short chat at adinjc in Coventry last year was our last time…. Wish there’d been the chance for more.
You’ll stay with me forever, in my instructing thoughts, in my training others, in my parenting, reminding me to be positive and go get!
You’re a true inspiration and superhero Lou…. Lots of love ❤️
It truly has been an honor and joy to have met you and participated in most BLRs as well as several courses throughout the last decade. Your cheerful character radiated love and happiness wherever you were.
Thank you and Rest in Peace, Lou!
It’s such sadness that we have lost such a wonderful lady. Even as a trainer she would still put you first. We will sorely miss her. Love to the family x