As Poppyscotland marks the 100th anniversary of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory on International Women’s Day, the Armed Forces charity is championing its female staff, volunteers and ambassadors.
Lanarkshire teen Chloe McIntosh is among those being publicly thanked by the charity for helping to raise awareness of the vital work they do in supporting current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Chloe, from Strathaven, became involved with Poppyscotland when her dad Andy was supported after suffering catastrophic and life-changing injuries in the Omagh bombing tragedy. Soldier Andy was one of hundreds who were injured when a car bomb exploded in August 1998, killing 29 people.
The events of that day led to years of serious physical and mental health challenges for Andy but, thanks to unwavering support from Poppyscotland, he was able to turn his life around and credits the charity for helping him to do so.
This help made a huge impact on Chloe and ever since, the 17-year-old has used her voice to spread the word about the charity and its vital work, funded by the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal. She also highlights the work done at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory at Poppyscotland, who only employ veterans with supported needs.
In her role as charity ambassador, the inspiring teen has addressed audiences of politicians, dignitaries and members of the public at various charity events, including at the Scottish Parliament.
Chloe, who is currently a pupil at Calderside Academy in Blantyre, and hopes to study veterinary nursing, said: “Poppyscotland means the world to me. I think it’s important to educate as many people as possible about how the charity provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community by providing tailored funding and advice in services such as employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.
“It is a privilege to work with the charity, and I urge anyone who may be struggling to reach out and get the help they require.”
Major Charles Pelling (Retd), Manager at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, said: “We are delighted to celebrate 100 years of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which was opened on International Women’s Day in 1926, and also to take this opportunity to celebrate our female staff, volunteers and ambassadors like Chloe.
“She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the important work of Poppyscotland and Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, and give back to those who helped her father Andy. It is only right that she is celebrated today and indeed all year, as we look to commemorate 100 years of the factory and the people who have helped to shape it along the way.”
To find out more about the work of Poppyscotland, please visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
