When I first started the blog I was contacted by Lena Sadler, a Leiston resident and founder member of the 165 Club, a group of former passengers and drivers who were regulars on Anglian's Aldeburgh - Ipswich 165 route. Lena was truly passionate about bus services in the area, tirelessly campaigning for the return of the 165, and encouraging me all the way with regard to rural bus services.
Lena, always bright and bubbly was riddled with illness, which she never complained about although it could wipe her out for days at a time. Very sadly her illness finally beat her yesterday, when Lena passed away at the ridiculously early age of 49.
Lena was one of those people who lit up the room with her very presence. I was lucky enough to have lunch with the 165 Club last Summer and Lena was the life and soul, even though she had to depart early for medical reasons. One of the joys of travelling on the 64 was knowing there was a chance Lena would be on board, and indeed the first time I met her was on a 64 when she was talking about my blog with another passenger - a really surreal moment I'll never forget.
Some people it's nice to know, some people it's wonderful to know. Knowing Lena was a joy, a privilege, a stroke of good fortune and an honour. Her strength and courage left a mark on anyone she knew, and there are a lot of people with a big gap in their lives today that will be impossible to fill.
God rest, Lena, thank you for being so encouraging, and I hope you're now out of pain and reaping the rewards for what you gave to others.
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