Scotland’s most decorated swimmer Duncan Scott MBE joined forces with veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory yesterday to help send three million poppies for the Scottish Poppy Appeal on their way to communities across the country.
The multiple Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallist, whose father and uncle served in the British Army, took time out from his training regime to lend a hand loading poppies onto lorries. These will now be delivered around Scotland ahead of this year’s Appeal, in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13th.
A team of 34 disabled veterans have spent the last 11 months making each poppy by hand ahead of Scotland’s largest fundraising street campaign. An army of volunteers will now distribute them across the country, with all donations going to support Poppyscotland’s vital work supporting the Armed Forces community.
Duncan Scott said: “‘I’m honoured to be visiting Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today and seeing first-hand the fantastic work they do.
“With both my father and uncle having served in the Armed Forces, I’m incredibly grateful to the veterans and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide poppies to the whole of Scotland.”
Now in its 101st year, the poppy is an enduring symbol of remembrance, representing reflection on the past and hope for a peaceful future. The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest annual charity street collection in Scotland, raising more than £2 million each year.
All money raised, as well as Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising, enables the charity to deliver a wide range of services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “After two difficult years due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re hoping for a return to normal this year. Our tens of thousands of volunteers are looking forward to getting fully back out on streets, shopping centres and supermarkets around the country, meeting the public and offering poppies to everyone who chooses to wear one.
“We’re very grateful to our fantastic team of veterans who have worked tirelessly all year to produce the millions of poppies for this year’s Appeal. Today’s uplift is a special moment for all of them, as these poppies start their journey across Scotland.
“This year’s Appeal is more important than ever, as we’re seeing increasing demand for our services as more families struggle with the rising cost of living. Our servicemen and women, and their families, make extraordinary sacrifices on our behalf, so we want to ensure that we are always there to provide support when they need it.”
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