Former Ladies World Rally Champion comes out of retirement to help NHS through Coronavirus crisis
Last updated 26th Mar 2020
A former British rally car champion's offering to come out of retirement to help transport paramedics and vital medical supplies to put the brakes on the Coronavirus.
Louise Aitken-Walker, who's family run a garage in Duns in the Scottish Borders, is part of a growing army of volunteers offering to help the NHS through the crisis.
But the 60-year-old, who was the first, ever British driver to win a world title, is promising to stick to the speed limits!
Louise told us: "I think this Coronavirus is evil and I just want to help as much as I can.
"We're all worried about our families, our employees, our friends; and I think I can give a lot to this service by driving a doctor or nurse, or any key workers - when they get in the car, they can switch-off or do some work, it takes the pressure off them."
When asked why she is volunteering, Louise, who survived a horrific accident in Portugal in 1990, said: "I like to drive, I always have done. I'm willing to drive anybody, anywhere at any time. I just feel for some families, it's just a horrible time and we've all got to do our very best."
And she added: "I would love to give something back to the NHS because I think they're wonderful and they've served me well in my rally career."
Louise is one of Britain's most successful rally drivers. After winning ‘Ford’s Find a Lady Driver’ competition in 1979, she went on to compete in club and national rallies the following year. She was the first woman to win a national rally outright in Britain in 1983 and went on to become Ladies European Champion.
Having twice won the Coupe des Dames on the Monte Carlo Rally and being crowned Ladies European Champion in 1989, Louise then survived a horrific accident in Portugal in 1990. However, she still managed to go on to become the first British driver to win a World Rally title – F.I.A. Ladies’ World Rally Champion – later that year, driving for GM Eurosport. She was also made an MBE in 1992 before retiring the following year to have a family.
Louise, who was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, added: "Just to be clear this is as a volunteer, no payment required. Working together we will beat this virus. Heed the advice and keep safe."
Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.