Linda Reading

For our next “40 Faces of St Nic’s,” we say hello to Linda Reading.

Linda gives her time to St Nic’s as a volunteer in our Newmarket Boutique shop and will also be helping us celebrate 40 years of St Nic’s by daring herself to undertake a tandem skydive.

Linda explains: “I started volunteering about six years ago. I shopped in the shop, but before I started volunteering and becoming more involved with the Hospice, I must admit I didn’t know an awful lot about the Hospice.

“I didn’t intend to start volunteering, I just happened to get chatting to Martin and that was it, I was in.

“I do really enjoy volunteering, it’s a nice team, we laugh together, and it is a nice way to meet new people. If anyone comes in and shows the slightest interest in joining us, I am there letting them know why they should do it and suggesting they fill in the form.

“There are lots of different ways to volunteer in the shops. Some people might not want to work on the till, and that’s fine; there is a place for everyone. Everything helps.”

As well as giving her time to St Nic’s as a volunteer, Linda has also decided to take on a bucket list challenge and take the plunge in a bid to raise as much as she can for the Hospice.

On August 4, 2024, Linda will be one of around 40 fundraisers taking part in our 40@40 Skydive Day, which is sponsored by Hugh J Boswell at UK Parachuting, Beccles Airfield.

At 74 years old, Linda decided she would take her leap of faith after seeing the Skydive Day advertised online.

“I saw it online and one morning I mentioned it to my husband, thinking he’d never want me to do it, but he just said it’s up to you. I told all of my family, and they will all be there cheering on the day,” said Linda.

Linda is really looking forward to her jump and has even booked a photographer/videographer to capture her experience.

“I am absolutely not panicking at all. I am just looking forward to it. I am just hoping for good weather and nice views. I am certainly showing that it is never too late to do something like this. It’s all an adventure,” she adds.

Linda isn’t the first in her family to do a skydive, as her daughter has also taken the plunge.

“I have had some tips: concentrate on your breathing, keep your knees up. I’m just looking forward to it,” Linda says.

You can support Linda’s fundraising here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/linda-reading-1714237861761a