Comic set to launch poppy appeal (From Stourbridge News)

Comic set to launch poppy appeal

11:32am Monday 19th October 2009

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PEOPLE across the borough are being urged to dip deep and help support the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal - which is being launched this week (Friday October 23) at Merry Hill.

Brummie comedian Don MacLean will be launching this year’s appeal for South Staffordshire and the West Midlands - which, with more British troops bound for Afghanistan, aims to pull in as much cash as possible to help support wounded veterans and bereaved families.

The Mayor of Dudley - Councillor Pat Martin, Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho, as well as the Mayors of Wolverhampton, Tamworth and Sandwell, will also be attending the launch at Merry Hill’s Fountain Square at 4pm.

Alison Bates, community fundraiser for South Staffordshire and the West Midlands, said: “The Royal British Legion needs £60 million yearly to delivery its important welfare work.

“We are also securing priority NHS health care for wounded veterans, better support for bereaved families, and better access to mental health care for veterans.

“This is what makes The Royal British Legion the UK’s leading service charity helping service personnel past and present and their families.”

Captain Mark Adams, Military Medal holder from the Royal Welsh Regiment; Corporal Donnie Harris from Selly Oak Hospital Army Personnel; and Luke Cole, Military Cross holder - formally from The Mercian Regiment, will also be at the appeal launch.

And members of Quarry Bank Royal British Legion and others across the region will be at the centre throughout the day explaining about their work and how members of the public can get involved and support the poppy appeal.

There will also be a display of military vehicles - including a prototype machine loaned by the JCB group.

Anyone interested in helping out with this year’s poppy appeal can call Alison Bates on 01889 575496 or email abates@britishlegion.org.uk

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