Walking the Tightrope: Poppy Day
On November 11, Remembrance Day, millions of British people wore a poppy with pride - glad in the knoledge that the money raised by the Poppy appeal goes to alleviate some of the pain and trouble caused by wars. Among them was Sally Codman, who points out in this column that it is still possible to give money to the British Legion - organisers of the Poppy appeal - at any time of the year.
This year, as I do in November every year, I wore my poppy with pride until the weekend Remembrance Day services were over.
I bought this year's poppies in the Co-op in Mirfield, as I do most years, one for me and one for mum - who at 86 still manages a short shopping trip with me most weeks.
Armistice Day has a special significance in our family, as my father died many years ago on November 11th, before his first grandchild was born. He served in India during World War Two and mum was in the WRAF stationed in Norfolk. For those left of their generation, Remembrance Day week is a time to recall those family members they've loved and lost, both during the war years and through all the years that have followed.
In fact it is a time for anyone who has lost a loved one in any conflict to pause and reflect and remember them. And although The Royal British Legion's Remembrance services are often accompanied by TV footage of veterans with chests full of medals laying wreaths, the money raised through the Legion's famous Poppy Appeal isn't only used to help veterans of the two World Wars. It is there to provide financial, social and emotional support for anyone who has served, or who is currently serving, in the armed forces and their families and some 13 million people - of all ages - are eligible to approach the Legion for help. All its work is funded through the Poppy Appeal and donations and sponsorship of individuals, groups and businesses.
This year's Poppy Appeal was launched by everyone's favourite athlete, double Olympic gold medallist Kelly Holmes, and had the theme 'Your Best Way to Say Thank You.' Kelly is the first sports-personality to launch the appeal, which aimed to raise over £22 million.
Last year the £21.7 million raised was used by the Legion to:
* Provide start-up funding for over 70 businesses, helping some 3,000 people to find work
* Give over £9.5 million in welfare grants
* Answer over 300,000 calls for assistance
* Represent 3,900 pension appeal cases at tribunals
* Help many D-Day veterans return to Normandy for this year's 60th Anniversary
* Give 4,200 people respite care in Legion welfare break centres and look after 420 people in care homes
* Campaign for a public inquiry into Gulf War-related illnesses, War Pension Disregards and noise-induced hearing loss.
Kelly Holmes, who is an ex-Army sergeant, was joined at the Poppy Appeal launch by 12-year-old Colin Antink, one of the young people the Appeal has recently helped. Colin, whose father is an ex-paratrooper, suffers from a rare disease called Stickler's Syndrome, a genetic disorder that is slowly robbing him of his hearing, sight and mobility.
His mother, Lynne, is separated from Colin's father and suffers from the same syndrome. Lynne was struggling to bring Colin up on her own and to fight to get him a good education.
Fortunately Lynne's parents are both supporters of the Legion, who arranged a meeting between AbilityNet (specialist advisors on technology for disabled users), Colin's teachers and a computer specialist.
The Legion went on to fund a bespoke computer to cater for Colin's visual impairment and Colin is now proving to be one of the brightest children in his year.
A visit to the British Legion's website at www.britishlegion.org.uk revealed that they also offer a wealth of other services, ranging from financial services such as insurance and loans, information on welfare benefits and claims, and an online shop.
A quick virtual shopping trip revealed a number of items available, ranging from a Penguin anthology of First World War poetry to Anzac biscuits, 'French Connection' wine and this year's newcomer - Thwaites Liberation Ale - specially brewed to commemorate the 60th D-Day anniversary.
There are also a number of links to other interesting and helpful websites. Why not check it out? You may find information that's really useful to some of your family and friends - or you could beat the crowds, get ahead of the game and find some ideal Christmas presents.
The Royal British Legion can also be contacted by phoning 08457 725 725 between 9am and 4pm Mon to Fri (calls are charged at local rates).
