Renowned Tunbridge Wells businesswoman Karen Vidler passed away at her home on Sunday morning aged 50.
The popular Managing Director of the financial advisory firm AV Trinity was known for her strong interest in current affairs and knowledge of the business world, which led to her appearing on both radio and television.
She was also featured in this paper six weeks ago, when although unpublished at the time, she spoke of how she had contracted the illness which would eventually lead to her death.
Karen contracted Lyme disease three years ago, after going to help a deer which had been struck on the road and in doing so was bitten by a tick carrying the disease.
She suffered ever since, and was often seen walking with the aid of a stick.
However, she acted with vitality in public and, knowing her longevity could be compromised, was determined to establish a robust and lasting legacy.
Part of that legacy was to put in place a strong board of directors and develop an adviser team to ensure the continuing excellent client service as well as the growth and success of the company.
Recognised for her personal and professional integrity, she was known for her concern for the well-being of staff and friends, and her wish to give something back to the community.
To this end, the firm undertook pro-bono work for good causes within the community.
She described herself as ‘a bit of a lefty’, which amused her, as some of her clients could not reconcile her role in finance with her political stance.
Regardless of politics, her concern for the ‘haves and have-nots’ was evident, and she spoke of the need for a better financial education for all children to increase their life choices.
AV Trinity business development manager Richard Randall said: “With great sadness, the Directors and Staff of AV Trinity announce that Karen Vidler, our Managing Director, passed away on Sunday morning at her home in Wadhurst.
“Although everyone at AV Trinity is hugely sorrowed by the news of her death, we are determined to ensure that these principles remain at the core of the business which was her passion and her life.”
A memorial service is to be planned in due course. Lyme disease can cause heart problems and attack the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
