More than £35,000 raised by community

More than £35,000 was recently raised by the community of Leek for the Royal British Legion (RBL)’s annual Poppy Appeal.

The annual fundraiser for our area has seen a band of dedicated volunteers come together to make this years appeal a success. This year the appeal has been coordinated by Bruce Daniel, who is the new Poppy Appeal Organiser for Leek.

Bruce said: “This years Poppy Appeal has raised £35,868 from the Leek area.

“Despite all we hear about austerity this reflects the real generosity of Leek people and the enthusiasm of all the volunteers who distributed boxes throughout the area and stood at collection points throughout the two-week campaign.”

Bruce continued: “Thanks, are also due to the staff at the supermarkets who made our collectors welcome and the shopkeepers who placed our boxes so prominently on their counters.

“Many times, our collectors were approached by ex-service personnel who shared their experiences of military life and the support they have received from the Legion when the need arose, which is heartening to all.”

Meanwhile, former Poppy Appeal Organiser for our area, Carley Mellor has been praised by the RBL for her amazing contribution during the seven years she held the volunteer role.

In a letter to Carley, a spokesman for the RBL said: “We would like to sincerely thank you for the time you have served as Poppy Appeal Organiser. Without your valued support over this time, we would not have been able to have a presence locally in your area.

“Whilst you have been the PAO you will have made an incredible difference to a great many lives.

“You have raised an amazing £261,530 in your seven years as PAO. Thank you.”

Carley said of the amount she has helped raise for the RBL: “It is absolutely brilliant and I’m honestly overwhelmed.

“Lockdown impacted on the fundraising a lot, but the Royal British Legion and the community have been brilliant and it’s lovely to see how much we have raised.

“I’m shocked by the amount and it’s fantastic to see that the hard work has paid off.

“I want to thank all of the volunteers that have worked alongside me over the years, I have loved every second of it.”

Do you volunteer for a charity locally?

Email our Editor Belinda at belinda@timesandecho.co.uk

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