Poppy appeal 'could be lost' without coordinator

The Poppy Appeal raises money for veterans and their families

A town's poppy appeal may not be able to carry on unless a new volunteer co-ordinator can be found.

Stroud District Council's Armed Forces Champions have issued a joint appeal with the Royal British Legion (RBL) to urgently seek a new Poppy Appeal organiser for the district.

The RBL runs the poppy appeal every October and November to raise money for military veterans, current serving personnel and their families.

Chair of the Armed Forces Champions, Kate Kay, said losing the Poppy Appeal in the Gloucestershire town "would be a great shame".

The appeal is the RBL's largest fundraising campaign and takes place every year in the run up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

Money raised during that time goes towards support for members of the armed forces, including financial advice, mobility assistance and employment support.

Poppy appeal manager for Gloucestershire, Sarah Mills said the person who takes up the role would be "fully supported" and that volunteering was a "great way to meet new people".

'Cherished national tradition'

Several officers from Stroud District Council have set aside volunteering days to sell poppies, but a co-ordinator is still required.

The Armed Forces Champions group is composed of elected councillors and officers who meet local veterans’ groups regularly to talk about the needs of local veterans.

Ms Kay from the group said: “The Poppy Appeal is a cherished national tradition. The generosity it inspires from the public reflects the gratitude we feel for the sacrifices made by our armed forces.

“Losing the Poppy Appeal in the Stroud district would be a great shame.”

Anyone interested in the coordinator role can e-mail [e-mail] for more information.