Donations to poppy appeal hit £3m mark

Figures released today reveal that people in the region have donated more than £3.1 million since the Royal British Legion launched the latest appeal in October last year.

And the people of Staffordshire and the Black Country contributed more than £950,000 towards the total, which will help the charity provide direct welfare support and advice to ex-servicemen.

As well as the regular collections from poppy sellers, schools and businesses, individuals took on a range of fundraising initiatives to support the appeal.

Birmingham played host to its very first 'Poppy Day'. Five military bands performed throughout the day, while more than 300 volunteers – including armed forces personnel and faith groups – collected £29,000.

Acting head of regional fundraising for the Royal British Legion, Claire Rowcliffe, said she was amazed by the level of support from people in the area.

"We are thrilled at the generosity of people in the West Midlands," she said.

"It's a great achievement to say we have broken the £3 million target for the last three years and even more poignant this year as we commemorate 100 years since Britain entered the First World War."

She added that the campaign will continue until September.

"Every penny raised will make a huge difference to service personnel, veterans and their families, from helping a young widow through an inquest to representing injured servicemen in their appeals for compensation.

"It's vital we keep raising money to stand shoulder to shoulder with them."

A number of fundraising initiatives run outside of the Poppy Appeal including charity walks and bike rides, challenge events and 'poppy picnics'.

The Royal British Legion spends £1.6m a week, or £84m a year, on vital welfare work, providing social, emotional and financial care and support to serving and ex-service people and their families. The charity has also launched a new freephone number 0808 802 8080, for ex-servicemen or their families in need of advice or support.