Praise for Poppy 'Army' (From Oxford Mail)

Praise for Poppy 'Army'

3:59pm Thursday 8th January 2009 in News By Chris Walker

Poppy Appeal collectors in Oxford have revealed their motivation for braving the cold to raise what is expected to be a record amount of cash in the city.

Oxford’s army of Royal British Legion volunteers were honoured at a special reception in the Town Hall after raising £42,199 for this year’s appeal.

The amount is expected to exceed the £45,106 raised in 2007/08, when this year’s appeal closes in May.

During the reception, fundraisers told the Oxford Mail the brave sacrifices of British soldiers fighting for their country made them determined to keep up their collections.

Their dedication comes with the Royal British Legion expecting to be busier than ever as it tries to provide help for an ever increasing number of soldiers coming back injured from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Volunteer John Radford, 76, has been a fundraiser since 1974.

'When I’m collecting I think about people and the sacrifices they have made'

Anne Doyle

He said: “When you’re standing in the biting cold and you’ve got the string from a poppy tin cutting into your hand you have time to think. You think ‘God its cold’, but in a few hours I’ll be back home in front of a warm fire.

“It’s nothing compared to those who had to suffer in the terrible conditions in Flanders for months at a time.

Mr Radford of Great Clarendon Street, Jericho, added: “You think about what they had to put up with and that’s what drives you on.”

Anne Doyle, 77, from Headington has been collecting for the Poppy Appeal for 21 years.

She was inspired to volunteer by her husband’s 38-year stint of service in the British Army.

Mrs Doyle, who collected £621 in this year’s push, said: “I really have enjoyed it very much. It’s a very rewarding.

“When I’m collecting I think about people and the sacrifices they have made.

“I particularly think about the First World War.

“There was such a massive loss of life and they fought in such terrible conditions.

“We lost a whole generation of fine people who would have made such a great deal of difference to this country.

“A lot of people come up and talk to you as a collector, young and old alike.

“Everyone that gives to the appeal does it for a special reason, they don’t just give because they think they have to.”

Peter Boyle, the community fundraiser for Oxfordshire, said: “Even though we’ve got the credit crunch going on, people have been extremely generous.

“A lot of our men and women are coming back from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan with horrendous injuries and they are going to need looking after for the next 50 years.

“The Legion’s work will not decrease, it will increase.”

Speaking to the volunteers, Oxford Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel said: “The work you do can’t possibly be evaluated properly because you put in so many hours for people – many of whom you don’t know or never will.

“You have collected a magnificent amount of money and I’m thanking you on behalf of the city.”

To become a collector for the Poppy Appeal, contact recruiting officer Mick Townsend on 01993 213490 or 01844 261506.

cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk