Bradfordians are being urged to share their reasons for wearing their poppy with pride in the run-up to Remembrance Day.
The Poppy Appeal campaign runs until November 11 and the Telegraph & Argus wants to hear from readers why they wear their poppy with pride.
This year, the Royal British Legion is aiming to raise £37 million during the Poppy Appeal. Those declaring their support include Mike Brodie, of Cleckheaton, who is helped by the Royal British Legion as a veteran.
“I have SP multiple sclerosis with serious mobility issues and asked for help,” said Mr Brodie.
“I contacted the Legion as it was becoming urgent that I got correct seating to relax comfortably. A case worker visited me at home and it was decided I should have a rise/recline chair.
“Just a little later I received the chair and it has transformed my comfort and ability at home.
“I wear a poppy with pride knowing that I support all veterans that are in need from any conflict at any time.”
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Khadim Hussain, said he believed it was essential we remember those “who, over the years and up to the present day, have and continue to make immense sacrifices to secure the peace and liberty we all enjoy”.
“Our freedom is hard-won and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the servicemen and women who have lost their lives or been injured in the service of their country,” he added.
Barbara Allsopp, the county Poppy Appeal co-ordinator, said she wears her poppy with pride because her mum and dad were both in the Army.
“Also, I have been brought up selling poppies, as have my children and grandchildren,” said Mrs Allsopp, of Bradford.
“We at Bradford cover a large area and we go up by £10,000 every year even with the recession. We are very proud of what we do and the money we raise for the Poppy Appeal.”
Carol Horwood, of Cleckheaton, a Poppy Appeal organiser, said she wears her poppy in support of all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their country in wars and conflicts.
“I have seen first hand the difference the Legion has made to so many beneficiaries, whether it be assistance with electric powered vehicles, rise and recline chairs to make their daily life more comfortable, furnishings, food, credit on a meter card to cook and have light when they have fallen on hard times,” she said. “It gives me personal satisfaction knowing I have been there in their hour of need with the Legion’s support.”
* To take part in the campaign, send a picture of yourself wearing a poppy and 100 words explaining why you do so with pride to newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or by post to: Wear Poppy With Pride campaign, c/o newsdesk, Telegraph & Argus, Hall Ings, Bradford BD1 1JR. Please include your name, address and telephone number.
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