Early life

I was born in Luton, the eldest of five (four girls and one boy). As a child I was hugely influenced by my father, who sadly died last year. Despite his own responsibilities to support a family of seven, he could not bear to see anyone suffering. He would go out of his way to help others, whether that was materially or practically.

Linda with some of her family

So I grew up with a huge sense of my own responsibility to use my talents and resources for the benefit of society as a whole. Thus began a life that has been underpinned by a commitment to serving my community and my country.

In many ways I had the privilege of an idyllic childhood.

Growing up on the borders of Luton and Hertfordshire, close to the countryside, bike rides, picnics, playing in the haystacks in our nearby farm, helping muck out the local race horses, an experience so few of our children have these days. My first job was working in the nursery at the farm.

As a teenager I became a football fan, following Luton Town, “The Hatters” up and down the country and running a fan club for one of the players.