THE SATURDAYS LAUNCH £36M POPPY APPEAL
Source: Dailystar
GORGEOUS girlband The Saturdays yesterday urged Brits to pin on a poppy and help the Royal British Legion break all records for fundraising this year.
Launching the annual appeal, now in its 90th year, the Legion wants as many people as possible to support troops to raise more than £36million.
The star-studded launch marks the start of a period of intense campaigning in the run-up to Armistice Day on November 11 and Remembrance Sunday three days later.
After the girls performed a special concert at Colchester Garrison, in Essex, band member Rochelle Wiseman, 21, said: “It’s humbling to be asked to help launch this year’s Poppy Appeal.
“We will do anything we can to support the appeal and our brave armed forces and their families.”
Fellow singer Frankie Sandford, 21, said: “I really admire and respect our Armed Forces and their families. What they do is totally amazing.”
The Saturdays performed for the families and personnel of 16 Air Assault Brigade, which is currently on operations in Afghanistan,
The Poppy Appeal raises money for the injured and their relatives, as well as those who lost loved ones.
Russell Thompson, the Legion’s director of national events and fundraising, said: “Despite the current economic times, we trust the great British public will show their support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country.”
Police officer David Rathband, who was blinded by gunman Raoul Moat, helped launch the appeal in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Speaking at the Renwick War Memorial, Pc Rathband, 36, said: “The appeal makes a huge difference to many people far less fortunate than me.”
