Local MP Jack Lopresti joined the Stoke Gifford Branch of The Royal British Legion (RBL) to launch their Poppy Appeal at Bristol Parkway Station last Friday (28th October).
The station is one of the main sites for the branch’s fundraising efforts, along with Sainsbury’s supermarket in Stoke Gifford and the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke.
The branch, which covers Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke, Filton and Bradley Stoke, runs its appeal year-round and last year raised a record amount of £30,000 locally.
Money raised goes to help current and ex-service personnel and their families. The RBL is the largest welfare charity in the country distributing £1.4 million in support every week.
Mr Lopresti said:
“I’m delighted to be here to help the RBL launch their local Poppy Appeal. I have a huge amount of respect for the charity, and ran the Bristol Half-Marathon for the Stoke Gifford Branch earlier this year.”
“The RBL provides fantastic support for those who have given so much in the defence of our country, and is often a lifeline for our brave servicemen and women, and their families. I hope that the Stoke Gifford Branch can achieve another record-breaking year this year, and continue with the vital work they do for those who have sacrificed so much for us all.”
Stoke Gifford RBL branch spokesman David Bell added:
“There is so much goodwill towards The Legion. We are very grateful to all those who support the Poppy Appeal. It helps the RBL to carry on its essential work.”
Anyone interested in helping with the local Poppy Appeal collection is asked to contact Terry Webber on 0117 909 1486.
Photo: Elaine O’Driscoll (left), Bristol Parkway station booking office supervisor, with serving military personnel, Stoke Gifford RBL Branch collectors & members and local MP Jack Lopresti.
