Tribute to Linda Whitehead

It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the death of Linda Whitehead (1954 – 2016). She is known to many in ALLFIE and Parents for Inclusion as a very gifted trainer and indomitable fighter for all her children, including Sonny. She was taken by cancer at a much-too-young age.

Our most vivid memories of Linda are about her passion for inclusive education and her fearless warrior-like attitude to changing the hearts and minds of people who, at the point they met Linda, ‘didn’t get it’ but were on the path to inclusion enlightenment soon afterwards.

We also recall in appreciation her amazing support for ALLFIE and our work – Linda was a natural ally and really understood and did everything she could to encourage the voice and representation of Disabled people. She was and will continue to be an important influence in ALLFIE’s history and our work because of her unswerving belief in the power of people working together for change.

Linda Love

Micheline Mason

Another precious life completed

Another friend now silent but for the memories

Her generous wisdom handed out

In Linda Love infusions for the soul

I will always hear the giggles

The music and the poems

Treasure the side by side work

Unlocking the pain of parents

Afraid to dream for their children

Healing with hope

My comrade at work

My counsellor at home,

My ally in the dark times,

My conspirator in the light

Our last phone call

Used to acknowledge and absorb

How loved she was by so many

Always true, but never before felt

By her.

A living gift of dying

I ache for those left –

Dear Tim consoling himself

In the deep wrap of saxophone mourning

For the four Linda buds now independently blossoming

Singing, dancing, acting and loving,

What a wonderful legacy.