So sad to of heard about lou. Such a happy kind and caring person. When I did the lead roll a few year’s ago she was amazing with my pupil and myself. Thoughts are with Blaine and the family x
I didn’t know you personally Lou, but I attended two workshops you ran and I was a graduate from your PDI group to the Green Badgers.
I loved the way you talked Lou, the calm voice of reason, often thinking quite differently to other people. You were able to articulate your thoughts so well. So positive in an industry that can be quite negative.
I learnt so much from your approach to training and in my opinion the driving training industry has lost its best star.
Rest in peace Lou. We will miss you so very much.
I was privileged to meet Lou in 2017 through one of the many workshops she curated and subsequently, along with so many other driving instructors, was briefly mentored by her to develop my skills. Thank you Lou!
She will be missed immensely and my thoughts go out to her husband Blaine and their family. RIP Lou Walsh x
Lou I’m still in shock and so saddened at your untimely passing.
We met 10 years ago for Big Learner Relay and we had the privilege of you staying at ours on the Plymouth leg.
I respected your wealth of knowledge, support with training and help with my PDI’s. Your style of teaching matched mine and you were my “go to” online trainer for all PDI’s.
You were truly a beautiful person inside and out. Serene in nature with a warm heart ready to help at any moment, always finding time for everyone.
I’m so sorry for your lovely family. Their loss must be so painful and I trust they get some relief and warmth from reading your tributes.
Always willing, always smiling, you will never be forgotten and can never be replaced.
Loved forever.
RIP my friend
🥰 xxx
I was so saddened to hear the news of Lou passing away, like everyone else on here Lou seemed to be there for support and was always willing to help those that were struggling or needed putting on the right path.
14 days to questions was my turning point, oh and of course in lockdown the Go Green books and support. I would not be where I am today without the support from not only Lou but both Blaine and Laura.
Love and respect to your family in this hard time.
RIP Lou
I first met Lou when I was a lead car of the relay a few years ago, I was always amazed at her energy, determination and inspiration. All the time with a smile, whatever was happening. I am privileged to have met her.
My thoughts are with Blaine and the rest of Lou’s family.
I was lead car twice over the years.
So sad to hear the news that Lou had sadly passed away. I’m pleased to say I attended her courses and she did such a great deal for the driving instructor training industry as well as raising such a large sum for Children in Need via the Big Learner Relay for the past 9 years when she visited Birkenhead.
It was a privilege to be lead car in the first year and support her and the BLR team every year since. Thoughts and condolences to Blaine Walsh and family at such a sad time 😞
I have been fortunate enough to be lead car in 3 relays, and in 2018 also joined the relay for an entire weekend, so saw first hand the effort and energy put into each day. Even when routes went awry, venues weren’t expecting us, a bit of Lou charm and a smile would get everything back on track.
However I have chosen a specific pic and memory to share.
In 2018 I was honoured to be lead car from Daventry to Silverstone, the turnout was beyond even my expectation. It gave me one of the best days of my career. We had approximately 140 cars in Daventry, it took 7 minutes to clear the car parks! Lou was delighted when checking Google maps on route that the road had gone red so we were causing congestion, driving well below the speed limits was not quite from the instructor manual, but needs must. On arriving at Silverstone we were met by many more instructors, but on this occasion Lou was in no rush to leave the car and greet them. The photo was taken as Lou just watched the endless convoy of cars arriving, we sat in pretty much silence for 10 minutes or more. I like to think of the pride she felt as this enormous convoy of cars rolled into the car park, the culmination of weeks of relaying, preparation and hard work from not just Lou but all involved. An industry coming together as one, what an achievement.
I was proud to be part of her journey, she was one of us, and we were all part of Lou. Happy days, sad days, good days, bad days, frustrating days and inspirational days, we have shared them all.
To all her close family and friends my deepest sympathy. RIP Lou and thank you.
Only met Lou once back in 2018, but what a wonderful lady she was, my condolences go to Blaine and the whole family, it’s a sad world without Lou Walsh xxx
I’ve not been able to put into words my thoughts since I saw the news on FB
I’d just finished a lesson when the post popped up in my notifications
Like everyone else, I couldn’t believe what I was reading, still can’t if I’m honest ☹️
Lou, you were a little pocket rocket.
Small in stature, but as has been shown, a giant personality.
You had time for everyone, made time for anyone that needed you, your experience or expertise.
You’ve touched so many peoples lives and left a lasting impression on each and every one.
I was one of the lucky ones.
You observed a couple of my lessons, gave me feedback, I even got a hug on what was now, your last BLR, and the ultimate honour was you asking me to be a lead car for 2023.
I hope we do you proud Lou, it won’t be the same without you and your energy, but we will hold you in our thoughts always
Rest easy x
Your energy for life was amazing. I was lucky to have met you on a few occasions on some of the relays. We also spoke on Messenger and you were always very caring and supportive.
The last time we met we were sitting in our camping chairs with flasks of coffee in Winchester Test Centre car park, during COVID. We laughed and put the world to rights.
I never understand why the good ones get taken first but there must be a good reason.
Rest easy now you are up there with so many other shining stars. I will now think of Ursa Major (the bear), as your constellation and it will be a constant reminder of your great love and affection of Pudsey.