Bus communities across the West Midlands and further afield are paying tribute to National Express West Midlands bus driver Isobel Gall, who sadly passed away on New Year’s Eve 2019.
A keen bus driver and enthusiast, 29-year-old Isobel had been based at National Express West Midlands’ Walsall garage since 2015. She was well liked by customers on bus routes including the 51, 77, 934, 935, 936, 937, 937A, 997 and X51.
She was the first-ever female driver to win the National Express UK Bus Driver of the Year competition on 1 July 2018 – beating over 250 colleagues to the competition hot spot – but unfortunately she became unwell and was admitted to hospital later that month.
On 11 August 2018 Isobel was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma – a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. In the UK around 2,500 people are diagnosed each year.
Isobel was very well known and liked within the bus enthusiast community for a #WeStandWithIsobel campaign. National Express West Midlands also dedicated a Platinum Alexander Dennis Enviro400, fleet number 6725, to Isobel last year.
Phil Bowen, Operations Manager at National Express West Midlands, said: “We are all very sad to hear of Isobel’s passing on New Year’s Eve 2019. She was an excellent driver and a very well-liked member of the Walsall team and the wider bus enthusiast community.
“On behalf of colleagues across the business I’d like to pass on our sincere condolences and thoughts to Isobel’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
To find out more about peritoneal mesothelioma or to make a donation to the Mesothelioma UK charity please visit www.mesothelioma.uk.com.
