I only hold about 2k in shares here and we tend to go away for at least 10 nights per year so for the pair of us that's £190 in free breakfasts or a 9.5% divi
The cards are renewed in May but its not like if you don't hold shares on that date you're not entitled to the card.
Provided you meet the minimum share holding requirement of 64 shares you're eligible for the discount card. Contact II and request this and they should contact Link on your behalf and request the card
Be warned though - almost no Whitbread front of house staff know what the card is and you have to explain it to them. Only 1 hotel I've stayed at knew what it was.
There's an undeniable smugness that washes over you when you're sat at breakfast knowing you're probably the only one who didn't have to pay