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Linda’s story with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s (NFCT) Forest Forces veterans programme is one of rebuilding, belonging, and inspiring others. After a period of personal change, the programme provided the lifeline she needed, proving that the bond of military service extends far beyond the barracks.

Linda, who served for over 30 years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QA), rising from Private soldier to the Field Rank of Major, found herself navigating isolation. A bereavement, coupled with the loneliness brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, made living alone in Birmingham challenging. With her family nearby, Nottingham felt like the right place to start over.

Her journey with Forest Forces began in November 2021 after meeting a fellow veteran at a Remembrance Parade in Mapperley. She admits she was genuinely surprised to learn a football club would provide such meaningful support, a fact cemented by her first trip to Imperial War Museum Duxford. She soon became a regular at the breakfast meetings, where she quickly found the sense of community she was searching for.

“Some might call all this ‘wellbeing’. In the military, we call it camaraderie – looking out for one another, always. I sincerely hope these regular meet-ups and inspiring speakers continue, because they bring us together in the truest sense of the word.”

The Forest Forces programme has offered a range of unique and inspiring experiences:

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Linda enjoyed a backstage tour of the City Ground with Nottingham Forest Ambassador and two-time European Cup winner, John McGovern.
• A Unique Challenge: A major highlight was taking part in the Waterloo Uncovered project. This archaeological and welfare initiative pushed her far outside her comfort zone, but the trainers were incredibly welcoming, and she learned a great deal.
• New Skills and Fitness: A session with a guest speaker introduced her to Nordic Walking. She now enjoys the true full-body workout while exploring local landmarks and war memorials in West Bridgford.
• Lifesaving Training: When Vision West Nottinghamshire College offered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, Linda seized the opportunity. Her commitment to service continued as she then arranged for the same vital training to be delivered to her own group, the Mapperley & District U3A.

The Forest Forces community has brought Linda back into the heart of service-related events. She has enjoyed attending Nottingham Forest matches and a military band performance at Lincoln Cathedral.

A recent standout was Remembrance Week 2025. Linda was a part of two Remembrance Parades – one for the Nottingham Forest vs. Leeds United Premier League fixture, and another for the Nottingham Forest Women vs. Birmingham City WSL2 match.

However, the most unforgettable moment came during a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum. There, she had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, Catherine, and shaking her hand.

Linda’s story is a powerful testament to the value of veteran programmes. Though she moved from a largely female nursing-based unit into a group of men from male-dominated Territorial Army (TA) units, she quickly found her place. The Forest Forces programme has given her more than just activities; it has given her a new family and a new purpose in Nottingham.

The continued impact of the Forest Forces programme, which provides vital support, friendship, and memorable opportunities for veterans like Linda, is made possible thanks to the generous funding from The Veterans’ Foundation. This crucial support ensures that camaraderie and looking out for one another – the military ethos Linda cherishes – can continue for the wider veteran community in Nottingham.