Shropshire centre features in launch of Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
The Lilleshall centre featured in the launch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, with an RAF veteran sharing how its support helped him compete in the Invictus Games
A Shropshire recovery centre for injured veterans will feature in the launch of this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, which highlights the sacrifices made by Armed Forces families.
The Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall was the third stop on a nationwide mission on last Thursday (October 22), during which serving personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF delivered specially commissioned poppies to Armed Forces families.
One of the poppies will be presented to RAF veteran Neil Fellingham, 38, who credits the centre with helping him rediscover his confidence and passion for sport after a life-changing injury.
Neil served in the RAF for more than 12 years as a senior aircraftsman technician, working on aircraft including the Tornado.
His military career was cut short after a serious leg injury led to complex regional pain syndrome, affecting his physical and mental health.
Living with chronic pain and using a wheelchair, Neil struggled to leave his home and take part in activities he had previously enjoyed.
In 2024, he attended a programme at the Battle Back Centre, where adaptive sports helped him rebuild his confidence.
The experience inspired him to apply for Team UK at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada, where he competed in wheelchair basketball and alpine skiing.
Neil said: “The RBL’s Battle Back Centre was a turning point for me. I was struggling mentally and had barely left the house for two years, but the kindness and support I received on the multi-activity course made me feel safe and reassured.
“The experience helped me rediscover my confidence and ultimately secure selection for Team UK at the 2025 Invictus Games.”
He said his family had been a major source of motivation throughout his recovery.
“My family have been my biggest driving force. My wife Lauren, my parents and my daughter Poppy inspire me to keep going and better myself. I want to be there for them and give them something to be proud of,” he said.
Established in 2011, the Battle Back Centre provides recovery programmes for wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans. Its courses include sporting activities, art and wellbeing.
The Poppy Appeal launches this year with the message that when someone serves, their family serves too, recognising the challenges faced by relatives supporting loved ones in the Armed Forces.
The Royal British Legion aims to raise more than £50 million through the appeal to fund support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Lucy Inskip, director of the charity’s Poppy Appeal, said donations helped provide support “whatever the need, whenever it’s needed”.
Last year, the charity supported more than 20,000 households across 65 countries, secured more than £25 million in compensation or benefits for veterans and awarded more than £9 million in grants to Armed Forces families.