Urgent last-minute call to help Poppy Appeal after lockdown cuts cash drive short

Poppy Appeal fundraisers across the Portsmouth area have been told to shut up shop tomorrow ahead of the second lockdown, which begins on Thursday.

The news will come as a hammer blow for the Royal British Legion, which was expecting to see a surge in supporters buying poppies ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend.

Now fundraisers on the ground have issued an urgent last-minute appeal for people to donate at Poppy Appeal tables dotted across the city.

Reverend Brizz Miles-Knight, who assists at the Poppy Appeal collection table in the Cascades shopping centre, said: ‘We have just one day left to make a difference because we’ve been told to cease activity from Thursday. This will have a massive impact on us because these last few days before Remembrance are normally our busiest.

‘So we need all the support we can get. Please dig deep and make the most of Wednesday for those people who gave their tomorrow for our today.’

Cathy Hall, Portsmouth Central Poppy Appeal organiser, said the appeal this year had already suffered a huge blow financially – despite having raised more than £2,000 from their table in Cascades.

‘We have hardly got any volunteers due to many being older and needing to shield from the virus,’ she said.

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‘Now we’re having to shutdown inside Cascades which will have a massive impact. Due to Covid we’re already getting a hell of a lot more cases and requests for help.

‘So it’s even more vital now that people help by donating online or by doing their own sponsored events.’

The money raised helps the Royal British Legion to support veterans and military families during the time of need.

One of those supported by the charity was former Royal Marine Bandsman Patrick Hill, of Hilsea.

The 68-year-old, who now volunteers as a Poppy Appeal collector, suffered hearing issues from his 25 years of service and sought help in setting up his pension.

‘The Royal British Legion came trumps when it came to helping me,’ he said. ‘But my connection with them is really very, very light compared to some of the guys and girls who laid it all on the line for us and who have been on the receiving end of all the serious help the legion offers.’

To support the Poppy Appeal, visit the legion’s website at: britishlegion.org.uk.

In the absence of organised Remembrance Sunday events this year, The News is urging people to stand on their doorstep at 11am on Sunday in order to mark Remembrance Day and pay their respects to the fallen. The Stand Out For Heroes campaign aims to make sure that this year does not pass unnoticed.

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