Earlier this week I took part in the 6th Poppy Ride in association with the Royal British Legion. They raise funds and awareness for the Poppy Appeal.
All money raised helps the Royal British Legion provide lifelong financial, social, and emotional support for the Armed Forces community. Members of the Armed Forces often face life-long challenges, risk injury, and some make the ultimate sacrifice and it is right we support them and their families. I want to pay tribute to members of the Armed Forces and their families. They risk everything to keep us safe and in doing so miss out on so many parts of family life.
We have many such families in Wythenshawe and Sale East and I am grateful they have the lifeline of the The Royal British Legion, providing support to them and their families in the face of hardships, injuries and bereavements. From the children of serving personnel to the oldest veterans and everyone in between the Royal British Legion is there for the Armed Forces community, every step of the way.
Locally there are some great projects also supporting veterans. The Legion in Northenden is great, and there’s one which covers Trafford too – I’ve attached a link here for local contacts. https://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/…/membe…/branches/
Trafford Council has a designated Armed forces Armed Lead Officer and I was pleased to visit the allotment they run in Sale with Armed Forces champion Councillor Judith Lloyd last year. It’s a great project run in conjunction with Groundwork – if you would like to get involved with the Trafford champions I’ve attached a link to their contact details below.
Manchester City Council have also signed the Armed forces pledge – which ensures that armed forces families and veterans receive the services and support to which they are rightly entitled and do not experience disadvantage as a consequence of their military service. The ‘veterans champion’ on Manchester City Council is one of our very own, Councillor Tommy Judge. I’ve attached a link to their contact details too.
The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal takes place from Thursday 27th October until Remembrance Sunday on 13th November.
To find out more or to donate please visit rbl.org.uk.
Thank you again for taking part and supporting this year’s Poppy Appeal.
As an aside I ‘rode’ 3.58km in 5 minutes, and will pass no comment on John Healey MP (pictured) arriving in a suit, barely breaking a sweat or getting out of breath who got 80cm further in the allotted time!
I suppose I ought to start training now for next year!