Tributes

This tribute page is where you can publicly remember and celebrate the memories you have of Lou Walsh. Please feel free to post any memories and a photo to celebrate her life.

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Thanks for everything

Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without Lous advice, I failed my part 3 twice, my third and final go Lou went through my failed sheet, gave great and, in plain English, advice that saw me pass and become the ADI I am. Four and a half years ago this was, this amazing small lady made such a huge impact to so many people. She allowed he the honour of being lead car after passing my part three on the BLR on Children in Need day itself, then involved with drawing Pudsey.
I only saw her again for a standards check course earlier this year, was so looking forward to seeing her again in October. She will be missed by so many, thank you for everything, rest well.

Derek Archer

Aug 28, 2023
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The brightest smile

Lou was a massive part of the driving instructor world and it shocked us all with the sad news of her passing. 😢 She may have only been small in stature but my god she had the biggest heart. She was kind, enthusiastic and it just shows with the great turnout the Big learner relay had!!! I always loved to be apart if it as it had a massive feel good factor and that was down to her!! The driving instructor world has lost a diamond. Rest easy lou, you work here is done. I’m sure there will be a massive amount of people doing there absolute best for you on Children in Need day ❤️

Alex Gamble

Aug 28, 2023

Lou Walsh – what a legend x

2015 I was invited to be lead car for the Big learner relay. What an honour.
Became good friends with Lou on the run up to our relay, and remained good friends till the end.
. I remember her asking me to email her what I learnt about my first ski trip as the family were heading off on theirs.
I’m laughing now as I remember what I sent her. And her hilarious reply.
Broken hearted is what I felt when I head the news that we had lost her.
What a truly amazing woman she was. How she inspired others with her energy and infectious laugh.
I’m proud to have know you Lou.
Thank you for everything you have done for us. Sure going to miss you.
Jan
Xxx

Jan Smith (was sterry)

Aug 28, 2023

Everyone’s friend

Still in total shock
Such a lovely, happy, generous, thoughtful beautiful mate.
Thanks for everything but especially using my daughters picture for the BLR. We as a family was so chuffed when Lou did this
Heaven has gained a very special angle ✨️ ❤️

Kevin Jones

Aug 28, 2023
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An unforgettable powerhouse

The news of your passing continues to be completely incomprehensible. I only met you in person once on one of your courses and we briefly chatted over the buffet.

I saw you again in passing near Maybush test centre and it was like driving past a celebrity! I am sure I even messaged someone and said “omg I just past Lou Walsh”.

You messaged me one day and enquired why I wanted to post anonymously, you were keen to encourage me to be bold…in our sparce messenging, you were always a cheerleader.

Lou, you made such a difference to so many people whilst you were here, a legacy many are envious of…and, tbh you are making a huge difference to me now…whilst I know little about you, I know you still had many plans/dreams unfulfilled…so each time I look in the mirror and start to criticise my lumps and bumps, I am giving my arse a “Lou-kick” as I am lucky enough to still be here.

Lou, the pain of the unjustice of your passing is unbearable, but know that, because of you, lives were made better, dreams came true, and your family will move through life wrapped up in so much love and support. Rest easy lovely Lou, until we all meet again xxx

Vikki Fish

Aug 28, 2023

A wonderful inspiring little lady

I had the pleasure of meeting Lou a number of times and each time left a lasting impression.
My friend Julia (a fellow ADI) and I had the pleasure of attending one of her SC workshops and found it very enlightening and helped us massively with our skills.
I also had great delight in taking part in a BLR in Yorkshire in 2019. My learner at the time was buzzing to do this and thrilled to be involved in the final leg of the day.
I’ll always remember that little bubbly lady with great enthusiasm for everything she did and will truly miss her.
Thank you Lou 💔

Rachel Fear

Aug 28, 2023
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A privilege to meet Lou, so inspiring

I had the privilege meeting Lou at the standards check training and joining the learner relay last year. Lou, such a fantastic person, great sense of humour, always encouraging instructors to strive and arranging the big learner relay for children in need. Lou spent a lot of her own time helping others and such an inspiration to us all. Thinking of Blaine, children and family at this sad time 🥰😘

Heather Burnett

Aug 28, 2023
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You will always be remembered…

You will always be the reason I qualified as a driving instructor 🚗 and for that I am truly thankful and cannot ever repay you. 🥺 You believed in me, and one in a million doesn’t seem fair to describe you as there’s honestly not any words I can say that would do you justice.

I still remember you telling me on my part 3 day about looking “calm and graceful on the surface whilst paddling furiously underneath” and I still remember it today and it never fails to make me smile. 🥺

When I was told the news, it hit me like a tonne of bricks as I couldn’t believe it, I still don’t, it doesn’t feel real 😢.

To me you were indestructible, and would live forever, the thought of you not being here hurts and it’s a pain I don’t think I will ever stop feeling. 😢 We may not have spoken for a little while, but it still feels like I’ve lost a good friend.

The world 🌎 has lost a beautiful person and I think the industry as a whole, alongside your family and friends is grieving at such a tragic loss. 😢

You touched the lives of so many, and you will always be remembered. 💖🫂

Thank you Lou, for everything, I’ll miss you. 💖

Stacey Middleton

Aug 28, 2023
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True inspiration to everyone

I only met Lou once at last years BLR in Barnsley she was full of life and worked so hard for the fundraising I’ve followed all Lou and Blaine’s tutorial videos which have helped immensely
Lou was selfless and a true inspiration to everyone she will be sorely missed my heartfelt condolences go out to Blaine her children and family and friends
RIP Lou

Vanessa Hirst

Aug 28, 2023
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Pint-sized Giant

I’ve stolen the term pint sized giant from someone else who posted it this week. Not because I’m “one of them” but because it’s true. How else could one describe such a lady?

I met Lou twice and watched countless hours of her videos as a PDI and still as an ADI. Her dedication to helping our industry was clear for everyone to see.

On both occasions she full of smiles and funny anecdotes, she was quite obviously the life and soul of the party.

Rest in Peace, Lou. Xx

Oliver Brown

Aug 28, 2023
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R.I.P Lou

I got the privilege of meeting Lou last year when I was lead car for Ipswich and then again on the finally. I honestly could not believe how kind and welcoming she was. She settled my nervous so fast. I am so grateful to have got the chance to meet her after hearing so many wonderful things off of lots of instructors. She will be greatly missed but all. Thank you for being you xx

Kirsty Bolton

Aug 28, 2023
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A sad loss to the world

Lou was the kindest soul I had the pleasure of meeting. She is clearly a loss to her family, but to the whole world. There are no more words xxx

Elizabeth Powell

Aug 28, 2023