Poppy appeal looks to recover after storm impact

New pins to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings

The organisers of the Jersey poppy appeal hope the fundraiser will bounce back after it was badly affected by Storm Ciarán last year.

The extreme weather forced the charity's shop in St Helier to close for three days during its main fortnight of fundraising.

It meant about £185,000 was raised to support veterans in Jersey when normally campaigners would hope to raise £200,000.

This year, organisers have decided to save money by not making Poppy badges for each individual parish, instead making one to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings instead.

Alison Opfermann hopes the community will get behind the Poppy Appeal this year after the setback caused by the storm

Alison Opfermann is the co-ordinator for the Poppy Appeal in Jersey and is hopeful that fundraising will recover after last year's closures because of Storm Ciarán.

She said "we took a bit of a hit last year" and "we were able to save a little bit of money is to just have one design for a pin this year".

"We have lots of collectors out around the island, lots of parts of the parishes coffee mornings, and lots of initiatives that I hope will raise more money this year," Ms Opfermann.

All the money raised by the Jersey Poppy Appeal is due to stay in the island to help veterans who are struggling with life after service.