New poppy appeal record

Generous donations have helped puppy appeal fundraisers reach a record-breaking total.
Impressive total: Town crier Colin Ballard, St Annes town mayor Coun Ed Nash and his wife, Fylde councillor Barbara Nash at the launch the 2014 poppy appeal for Lytham and St AnnesImpressive total: Town crier Colin Ballard, St Annes town mayor Coun Ed Nash and his wife, Fylde councillor Barbara Nash at the launch the 2014 poppy appeal for Lytham and St Annes
Impressive total: Town crier Colin Ballard, St Annes town mayor Coun Ed Nash and his wife, Fylde councillor Barbara Nash at the launch the 2014 poppy appeal for Lytham and St Annes

The Royal British Legion poppy appeal in Lytham and St Annes has achieved its hightest total ever.

With more cash still expected to come in, the appeal in the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War has already topped £38,000, bettering last year’s total, itself a record, by £5,000.

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“Thanks so much to everyone for their contributions,” said Spencer Leader, poppy appeal organiser and president of the St Annes branch of the Legion.

“So many people have shown such great support and generosity each year, along with the local businesses, schools, churches, other organisations. and the wonderful people who volunteer to collect the donations throughout the fortnight before Remembrance Sunday.

“What a great tribute to all those who have served our country so well, from 1914 and are continuing to do so to the present day.

“The Legion spends nearly £1.4 million a week delivering health and welfare support and this money allows for the provision of practical support and advice to service personnel, past and present, and their families.”

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Among the contributions to the fund was £1.045 donated by the women of Lytham Soroptimists International of the Fylde, who again knitted poppies sold for the appeal,

The Soroptimists have now raised £3,200 for the appeal with their efforts over the last three years and Mr Leader said: “It’s a unique way of helping the fund and thanks so much to the ladies involved.”

St Annes mayor Ed Nash, who helped launch this year’s Poppy Appeal and is also president of the veterans for Fylde charity and, added: “This wonderful total just show how keen people are to support the armed forces and their families. In this very special anniversary year, the public support throughout has been so impressive.”