This call to action came from Welsh rugby and British and Irish Lions Captain Sam Warburton, who launched The Royal British Legion’s Wales Poppy Appeal at the Millennium Stadium alongside serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
At the event, which followed the Welsh rugby team’s open training session ahead of the autumn internationals, Warburton met with veterans, serving soldiers and their families to hear more about the work of The Royal British Legion and how the Poppy Appeal funds vital support for people throughout the year.
Warburton said: “It is a real honour to help launch the 2013 Poppy Appeal in Wales which provides such amazing support for the Armed Forces Community. Speaking to the people here today makes you realise how every donation received for a poppy will make a real difference to lives of Armed Forces Families and it’s great that we are all able to do something to promote the great work The Royal British Legion does.”
Wales Area Manager for The Royal British Legion Phillip Jones said: “We support the entire Armed Forces community past and present, but families are the heart of the Poppy Appeal 2013. We recognise the strength of mothers, fathers, partners and kids in Armed Forces families, who serve alongside their loved ones every single day, and often need practical care and advice too. Today, some of those families are here with us to launch this year’s appeal and I know the Welsh public will support them as they always do.”
At the launch today was Wendy John from Port Talbot whose husband, Corporal Dean John, was killed whilst serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on March 15, 2009. Alongside Wendy in Cardiff were her sons Dylan, Harvey and Ethan, who regularly support the Poppy Appeal and who had the opportunity to try out their skills at the home of Welsh rugby.
Wendy said: “IIt is so important that families receive help when they need it and the Royal British Legion is there to provide that. We had a holiday this year, provided by the Legion, which allowed me and the kids to get away and have a brilliant time together. I’m supporting the Poppy Appeal because people need to know what their money helps the Legion to do.”
Mark Williams, Millennium Stadium Manager and Ex-Lieutenant Colonel in The Royal Welsh said: “We are delighted to support The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal 2013. At the Wales-South Africa match on November 9 at the Millennium Stadium, players and fans alike will pay their respects to all those who have fallen, who have served and who are still serving.”
Lynne Woodyatt Community Fundraiser for The Royal British Legion said: “The Legion spends £1.6m each week delivering direct, practical care and support to the Armed Forces community and raising awareness of the Poppy Appeal is so important to us. We are so grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for supporting the Poppy Appeal this year and hopefully we can make this the biggest ever.”
The Royal British Legion Director of Fundraising Charles Byrne said: “We’re encouraging people to dig deep for the Poppy Appeal, so we can continue providing vital support to individuals whether they are still serving, transitioning back to civilian life or have left the Services, but importantly to their dependents too.”
The Legion provides wide ranging, and practical support to Armed Forces families’ in need, including crisis grants, family breaks, benefits and money advice and at times sadly, inquest advice.
Every Poppy helps raise the £1.6m needed by the legion each week to deliver practical help and advice to Armed Forces community.
