Letter: Please Give Generously to the Poppy Appeal

Published on: 3 Oct, 2018
Updated on: 3 Oct, 2018

From Mike Parsons

The Mayor of Guildford

As arrangements are put in place for the annual service of remembrance on Sunday, November 11, at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford, our thoughts turn once more to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, which will be launched on October 27.

As we commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War, we will remember the sacrifices made by our armed forces then, and in more recent conflicts. The demands on the services of the Royal British Legion continue to play a vital role in supporting veterans and families. From helping a young widow through an inquest to ensuring that an older veteran can stay independent in their own home.

In the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, from 27th October to 10 November, you will no doubt see many Poppy Appeal volunteers giving their own time to sell poppies, come rain or shine. Please remember how important our support is to the serving members and veterans of our armed forces, and give generously.

I have heard from the Royal British Legion that the Poppy Appeal currently stands at just over £46 million – an incredible testament to the public’s generosity and an all-time record! However, as the Royal British Legion spends over 1.7 million on their beneficiaries every week, our continued support is vital.