Plea for poppy generosity
Deborah Linton
23/10/2008
THE annual poppy appeal has been launched with a plea to remember serving soldiers from past and present wars.
While troops took part in a ceremony at the British forces base in Basra, Iraq, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, called on people at home to give generously and wear their poppies with pride.
In Basra, Warrant Officer First Class Frank Greenwood, from Prestwich, took part in a parade and service which saw opera singer Hayley Westenra sing for troops to mark the beginning of the Royal British Legion's 2008 appeal.
The appeal aims to raise £32m nationally to help serving and ex-service personnel in need.
Warrent Officer Greenwood, 37, said: "It is an absolute privilege to have the Royal British Legion here and to be a part of the launch of the Poppy Appeal for 2008.
"Hayley Westenra was absolutely fantastic when she sang 'I vow to thee my country'. The lads were all quite taken with her and it's a real boost for them to hear her singing."
At the appeal launch in the Hilton Hotel, in Manchester, Lord Lieutenant Warren Smith said: "Events in Iraq and Afghanistan show us that the human cost of conflict is sadly ongoing and that the Poppy Appeal is still as relevant now as it ever has been. Your donations are needed to support veterans of all conflicts right up to the present day."
Last year, the Greater Manchester appeal raised around £750,000 for welfare work in the county.
Over 800 requests for help were answered with the cash - a 25 per cent increase on work in previous years. Organisers are aiming to top that as poppies go on sale this week.
The British Legion is hoping to raise £32m nationally to help some 10.5 million serving and ex-service personnel and their families who are eligible for Poppy Support.
Poppies will be on sale until November 10 and street collections will take place from November 1 to 8.
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