THE ROYAL British Legion's Okehampton branch is urgently seeking collectors for the Poppy Appeal, which takes place in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday each November. The money raised each year from the distribution of poppies is currently around £25million, and is used exclusively to help former service personnel and their dependents. This might mean providing food vouchers, vocational assessment, or training grants, or helping to prevent homelessness. Hundreds of British servicemen and women have been wounded or injured in recent years while serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These injuries range from blindness, to limb amputations, to combat trauma — and many of those injured will have to leave their chosen career in the forces and begin a new life. In Devon alone, there has been a 20% increase in calls for aid from the Poppy Appeal since last November. Royal British Legion member Peter Williams said: 'It is vital that the Poppy Appeal continues to have the support it has enjoyed since its inception nearly 90 years ago.' 'Poppy people' are needed to cover Belstone, Sourton/Bridestowe, Exbourne and Lifton. Please call 01837 53297 for more details.
