Linda Aitchison - Journalist & Travel Writer Linda Aitchison - Journalist & Travel Writer

Campaigns and hard news

Campaigns I have worked onI have welcomed an opportunity to make a difference

Dignity for dying cancer patients

After my husband, Neil, died I spearheaded publicity calling for better NHS care for nearing the end of their life on chaotic wards. Along with Marie Curie Cancer Care, I appeared on various national news programmes to call for more dignity and respect. The Independent wrote an in-depth article and leader column about care for the dying.

I took part in a debate with Dr Bee Wee, National Clinical Director for End of Life Care, NHS England and my views were taken into account in her report Putting Ambitions into Action New ambitions for end of life care.

My blog ‘Half a future’ gained 20,000 readers and raised awareness about bereavement. I wrote for various news and features websites highlighting my family’s experience. Changes in light of our story were made at our local hospital, with improved training for nurses.

My story

Improve end of life care for all, say MPs

Parents for Playgrounds

A campaign I led as the editor of the parenting website Ready for Ten empowered parents and children alike to get more involved in their neighbourhoods as they spoke up for their home cities, towns and villages. Inspirational parents rallied support.

Five playgrounds were each awarded £15,000 to help more children play outside. Patsy Kensit was our guest editor and Parents for Playgrounds ambassador.

Patsy Kensit leads campaign for playgrounds (Express)

Patsy Kensit a very fit mum (Huffington Post)

Breaking the silence

Helping people speak up about mental health.

I supported Mind’s Time to Change mental health awareness campaign with a blog called Breaking the Silence which published real stories from people sharing their experiences of a range of conditions.

It was very well received and I was proud to win a ‘Most Insprational Blogger’ award as a result. The blog continued for two years.

Donna Cooper petition

One of my first jobs in journalism. But unforgettable to this day.

After 13-year-old Donna Cooper was killed by the teenage driver of a stolen car, I was assigned to report on the tragedy. Donna’s mum Jenny’s appealed for stronger sentences and more protection, I kept in close contact, continuously reporting to boost support. The campaign proved popular and led to sentences for vehicle crime increasing from two to 10 years.

A better deal for multiple birth families

I volunteered then worked with Tamba (The Twins and Multiple Births Association) from 1998 to 2007.

During that time I gained ‘blanket’ media coverage for important issues for families, especially on how to make ends meet. I wrote scores of features.

Twice the joy, half the tax break

Multiple mums call for classes

Helping children fleeing domestic violence

I have volunteered for the Buddy Bag Foundation since 2016.

Good things in small packages

Hard newsThis was my first passion as a journalist, starting my career in the busy West Midlands where high profile, hard-hitting stories happened every day.

Specialising in Fred West

In the late 90s as Rose West faced trial, I focused on her and Fred’s shocking crimes. Based temporarily in Cheltenham, I researched the victims, interviewed key figures and compiled informative ‘backgrounder’ pieces.

Birmingham Six exclusive

After Paddy Hill was released from prison in 1992, I gained an exclusive interview where he spoke about his belief that the perpetrators of the Birmingham pub bombings would never be caught.

Chechen conflict

I spent a year working in Russia, just as the war in Chechnya broke out. Stories from the frontline and a growing death toll were an important aspect of my work.

Testimonials

  • I’ve known Linda professionally for a number of years and was thrilled to be asked to be an expert contributor to ReadyforTen.com As an editor, Linda cannot be faulted. She has a great eye for interesting content, gives good and prompt feedback, supports her writers and engages her readers. I particularly appreciate the way Linda manages to create a good team feeling amongst a wide range of freelance contributors, making us all feel part of the RFT family, even though most of us have never met. Linda has excellent skills in using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, webchats and blogging to engage readers. I recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a writer, editor, PR or lovely person to work with.

    Joanne Mallon

  • Linda Aitchison is a safe pair of hands as a freelance journalist. She has an excellent eye for a story and brilliant writing skills, delivering crisp copy that answers all questions on deadline, without fail.

    Karen Pasquali-Jones

    Former editor Love it, Mother & Baby. Managing editor the Ethicalist.

  • Thanks very much for such an engaging and high quality workshop last week, which has definitely made a positive impression on us all! (And keeps coming up in conversation) The press release training was beyond useful and we are now applying it to other areas of our work as well.

    Amy Bird

    Sport Birmingham

  • I attended Linda's media training course on corporate writing and found it to be excellent. She made the subject entertaining and easy to understand with first class practical tips and suggestions, great notes and information to take away. Everyone left the day inspired to go out and find themselves some clients. I also know Linda to be an excellent PR woman, journalist and author.

    Siobhan O’ Neil

    Course attendee

  • I attended a one day training course run by Linda. I found the course to be extremely informative, highly practical, and of great value for enhancing my own business prospects.

    Lynley Oram

    Course attendee