On my journey to become an ADI, I looked for someone who I felt could help me in an empathic and informative way. What I found in Lou was so much more!
The world is definitely a sadder place without Lou! Your smiling face, overwhelming enthusiasm and amazing energy to name but a few of your fabulous attributes.
Your legacy will live on your achievements too many to lust, the people you have mentored, the ideas you have had , the money you have raised.
But , apart from all this the hole you have left in the driving instruction world.Small in stature, mighty in presence, good night, sleep tight, beautiful lady may God bless you and keep you safe xxx
Louise and yourself were pioneers of online instructor training when I became an ADI in 2007. I was obsessed with you videos – I must have subscribed if memory serves me right. I developed quite quickly and became an ORDIT trainer within 3 years of passing my Part 3. I was ROSPA Gold and a advanced driver trainer.
What I am trying to say is; some people live and some people leave legacies. I am in no doubt that Louise left a legacy! I, and 100’s, if not 1000’s, of other people would not have excelled without people like Louise. I hope you and your children take some comfort in knowing that Louise’s life positively impacted more than most, and probably more than you realise.
Sorry for your lost. Thank you for what you have both done. I left the driver training too soon, but will hopefully return in the future.
Thank you.
Neil
I never met Lou face to face, but I was helped by her when I did the go green course. Before I started the course lou helped me so much as I was so scared to go for my part three, Lou was very encouraging and o then started to green. Her Sunday zooms were amazing and she was always so funny, she had a way to help me remember things and me to help my students remember things.
She was always there to help and if I hadn’t met Lou I don’t think I would have passed my pt3 1st time.
I was gutted to have to leave the pdi group but we went over to the green side, and she is there helping everyone again.
So many people rely on her for so much, and until her untimely passing I don’t think we realised actually how many people she helped and was continuing to help.
She must have been rushed off her feet yet you would have never known that. She always helped me, and seemed to remember me and now that I see the pure volume of people she helped his humbles me.
Someone said she was like the mother of all driving instructors and this truly is the case.
She has left a hole in the heart of her family and also the heart of her extended family the nationwide of driving instructors.
We will never ever forget you Lou. And will always think of you with the fondest of memories.
I wish well to Blaine and your children at this really tough time.
I will wear my spots with pride lou in honour of you.
Rest in peace xxx
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To the most inspiring Lady I have ever had the privilege to meet. I have made so many great friends through the BLR and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Instructing is a lonely old game but you made a family, a place where everyone belongs. You loved all of us and we all love you. You will always be remembered and loved. Sleep tight Lou, time to rest now xx
Lou, you really were an amazing person. Your bright personality shone out of those colourful glasses and reflected in everything you did.
Your passion for improving the driver training industry will be remembered by us all, and there are many of us that would not be out there if it hadn’t been for you and the Go Green team.
I only met you a few times but remember you recognising me from zoom sessions and wondering how you could possibly remember so many names and faces but somehow you did! Probably because you cared so much about everyone.
My heart goes out to Blaine and the family. Take comfort in the love and support that is out there, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and remember to take time for yourselves. Lou’s passing has deeply affected so many of us who barely knew her; the gaping hole left in your lives is unimaginable.
X
The driver training industry has lost someone very special and this is hard to process, even for people who only met Lou a few times or in some cases, not at all! So I simply can’t imagine the loss that her closest friends and family must be feeling. Blaine & Co, I have been thinking about you all non stop since the news. I hope you are finding comfort in the outpouring of love and memories.
There are too many things to say about Lou Walsh. A talented instructor and trainer, founder of the Big Learner Relay which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for children in need. A sparkly, one of a kind, fun, irreplaceable soul.
Her passion for helping others was admirable. An incredibly busy woman whose inbox was always open for help and advice (I can only imagine how full that inbox must’ve been, but she always replied. Always).
Lou connected thousands of instructors across the country and set up support groups and training packages that are so valuable to us all. They will continue to be valuable for many many years to come and whilst Lou is no longer here, I’m sure her impact will be everlasting.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lou a few times, mainly though our love of the charity, Children in Need and raising money for that cause. But also through training courses and chats online. I was so struck by her enthusiasm and energy, and she loved how much I loved the relay, she could see it. I am sad that I no longer get to look forward to the Big Learner Relay that was planned for this year. It was going to be the biggest and best ever and I would have really looked forward to the laughter, the cakes, the selfie taking but more importantly raising a heck of a lot of cash for a worthy cause.
Rest in spotty heaven, Lou. Thank you for everything. X
Inspirational lady, one in a million, the driver training industry has lost a diamond.
Sleep tight Lou.
Bryan
Lou really was the a great help and reassure to me on several occasions both as a pdi and Adi. When I reached out to her for advice and once in a state of panic she truely was the calming balm . Lou shared her knowledge and passion freely with all for the good of the industry. I was lucky enough to do one of her workshops and have the benefit of her experiences. The industry lost a shining star and a person who always stood the adis corner.
My deepest condolences to Blaine and family .
Having had the pleasure of meeting louise on a few relays including the last one which had my whole family in the car with my son being the lead driver, my eldest daughter and my youngest who I was pregnant with in my first relay. I’ve never felt so comfortable sitting in the company with someone of her standing in the Driver training industry. No matter how long you’ve known her she treated you like family. I will miss her smile, her endearing qualities and the fact that she could calm any situation with her voice. She had the knack of just making you feel relaxed and that you don’t need to behave in a certain manner just because of the job you do.
When she told me that this was the last relay tears welled in my eyes but I really wish I’d known that this was the last time I’d have seen her. You were a true legend Lou Walsh and will always be remembered dearly.
I met Lou several times attending her standards check course twice. She also helped me when I needed advice and when I worked for Cornwall Mobility we took part in the BLR. She wasn’t just an inspiration in her career, she was sincere, kind and helpful with a great sense of humour and always seeing the positives. She was real and she gave us all hope and encouragement. She was a role model and made a difference. She will be sadly missed, she was one of a kind. Annie
So very sorry truly heartbreaking