Every independent Hitchin business has people and their stories that live behind them, many of which nobody ever learns about.

Hitchin Nub News heard from Kate from Lucky Penny Weddings on her journey to creating an award winning company.

Kate - "I've spent my entire adult life working in the care sector—always hands-on, mostly in elderly care and neurology. I loved it. Truly, it was a privilege to support people through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

But after nearly 25 years, the emotional and physical toll began to catch up with me. Life became a struggle, and I found myself at a crossroads.

Then everything changed.

After recovering from a brain haemorrhage, my beloved Uncle Les fell ill a year later and sadly passed away. His death brought my life to a standstill—but it also changed it forever.

Unbeknownst to me, he had named me his sole beneficiary. A single man with no children, he had left me everything. It was a gift that would reshape my future.

At the time, I was unwell myself and knew I couldn't return to care work. But what could I do instead? I honestly didn't know. I just knew this gift deserved to be used for something meaningful.

While I was trying to figure it all out, a beautiful photo appeared on my social media feed. It showed one of my former volunteers from the care home on holiday with her family in a campervan. The image radiated love and peace—and in that moment, I knew. I wanted that life.

I began researching campervans, and while doing so, I noticed lots of listings for ex-wedding vehicles. That's when the idea hit me: what if I bought a classic bus and used it for weddings?

There was just one small problem—I knew absolutely nothing about the wedding industry or how to run a business. I'd never even seen a classic bus in person, let alone driven one! In fact, I'd only passed my driving test six years earlier.

But I thought, "What's the worst that could happen?"

That's when Penny came into my life. She was the very first bus I saw, located up in Warrington. She was part of a wedding fleet being sold off by a retiring owner. He told me he wasn't going to sell her to just anyone. But after an hour of chatting and sharing our stories, he said I was the one.

It was an incredibly emotional moment. My new life had begun.

Over the next year, I built my business—with help from my wonderful children, amazing friends, and support from the wider business community. Today, I'm proud to say I have a thriving wedding transport business. I've driven over a hundred weddings, supported some fantastic charities, and met some truly incredible people along the way.

And all of it is thanks to the love and kindness of my Uncle Les. I know he would be so proud.

Volkswagens were a huge part of his life—he had been a mechanic and restored countless campers and Beetles. While going through his belongings, I found a wonderful old photo of him as a young man standing next to one of his beloved Beetles. He once drove it all the way to Cornwall—a real feat for a man who stood 6 foot 6!

For my first Christmas with Penny, my daughter photoshopped Uncle Les into a picture of the two of us with the bus. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye. I will always miss him—and I'll be forever grateful for the life he helped me create".

Learn more about "Lucky Penny Weddings" here.