MORE than £30,000 for the Royal British Legion has been raised by Redditch’s Poppy Appeal.
The grand total of £31, 794 was announced this week by Mr Gerry Marsden, who has taken over the running of the appeal in Redditch from Peter Styler, who ran the Poppy Appeal for six decades.
Last year’s fund-raiser was Peter’s last and now Mr Marden, who lives in Lodge Park, has taken on the role.
Mr Marsden said: “I must admit, it is a daunting task, and the role is a big one to fill. But I am sure with all of our volunteers and support from local people, we will continue to raise money for this great cause.
“The amount we raised this time is amazing and I would like to say a big thank you to all those who supported and helped us – the Kingfisher Centre, local business and of course all our volunteers.
I would also like to thanks Jackie Davis and Peter Styler for their tremendous work throughout.”
The money raised from donations and poppy sales will got towards helping ex-servicemen and the Armed Forces community.
The first Poppy Appeal was held in 1921, the founding year of The Royal British Legion and red silk poppies, inspired by the famous First World War poem In Flanders Fields, sold out instantly, raising more than £106,000 to help WW1 veterans find employment and housing after the war.
Visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk to find out more.
