Tributes To Bus Crash Victim

The family of a woman who has died nearly a week after being hit by a bus in Maidstone have been paying tribute to her, saying she "lived to help others".

Louise Friday, 44, was hit by the single-decker bus on London Road last Saturday afternoon.

Her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Derek Kemp from Maidstone, have paid tribute to a "much-loved sister and aunt".

Despite having learning difficulties Miss Friday lived a full and independent life and was well-known in Maidstone both through her work and her involvement in local organisations such as Mencap.

For many years she had worked part-time for Tuck by Truck in Quarry Wood, a social enterprise employing adults with learning disabilities. She had a second part-time job in the kitchen at The Pippin pub in London Road, Maidstone, and had been having lunch at the pub on the day of the collision.

Outside work she loved to cook and to help others. Her sister Janet said: “Louise always wanted to help whenever she could and she liked to mother people. She was very sociable and loved dancing.”

Mr and Mrs Kemp are joining Kent Police in their appeal for information about the collision and they urged any witnesses to come forward.

Mr Kemp said: “While it will never bring Louise back it would help us to know exactly what happened on Saturday. It was a busy afternoon and there would have been a lot of people in the area at the time.”

Anyone with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit appeal line on 01622 798538 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.