Poppy Appeal volunteers looking to raise vital funds at Ellesmere Tesco

As the countdown begins to Remembrance Sunday, more than 40 volunteers are doing daily shifts, collecting donations for Ellesmere’s annual poppy appeal.

Last year, the town raised a record £17,000 towards the Royal British Legion’s national total of more than £54 million.

This year’s UK-wide appeal was launched last Thursday, October 22, and local branch officials said they are hoping for another generous response.

The fundraisers, including a 93-year-old survivor of Second World War bombing raids, will be collecting donations at Ellesmere’s Tesco store, with a stall offering traditional poppies, metal badges, crosses and related merchandise.

Fifty donation boxes have also been placed in local shops, pubs, schools, churches and various other locations throughout the town and surrounding villages.

Appeal organiser Caroline Ford said: “Over the years, we’ve forged an excellent relationship with the staff at Tesco, and they’re very welcoming to our wonderful team of volunteers.

“More than half the money raised in Ellesmere last year was collected on the Tesco stall and we’re extremely grateful for their support. We also appreciate the incredible help we receive in various ways from other parts of the community.

“This is a small town but the people here have a very big heart when it comes to giving time and money to worthwhile causes such as the poppy appeal.”

Tesco store manager Jordan Brown said “As a company, we’re very proud to support the appeal.

“It’s something that touches everybody’s hearts. We recognise that virtually everyone has some connection with our armed forces, and we want to play our part in raising money to help our servicemen and women, veterans their families.

“It’s great to have the volunteers here in the store, and to listen to stories from some of the veterans who’ve served their country over the years.”

As a boy, the oldest volunteer in the Tesco team, 93-year-old Michael Judge, witnessed the deadly bombing of his home city of Portsmouth, which played a key role in the D-Day landings.

He said: “It was a big naval base and as the bombing went on night after night, most of the city’s streets were damaged in one way or another.”

Later, Michael joined the Royal Air Force to do National Service, and he and his family have long supported the poppy appeal.

“Its vital that we continue to help the Royal British Legion,” he said . “The need is greater than ever.”

Legion chairman Bob Mcbride added: “We’ve been setting fund-raising records for the past five years. The response we’ve had from the people of Ellesmere and district has been fantastic, especially when so many people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

“A huge-thank-you to everyone for your unstinting support. Every penny donated is a much- valued contribution to the Legion’s vital work in providing on-going care and support to those whose lives have been affected by serving our country in our armed forces to keep Britain safe and secure.”