Local MP Grant Shapps continues to support the Royal British Legion, having officially launched the Hatfield Poppy Appeal at the Galleria, alongside local veterans, cadet groups and musicians, and also taking part in a 5km ‘Poppy Run’ in WGC, all part of the official start to the Remembrance season.
Last year, Grant responded to a RBL cry for help in the Welwyn Hatfield Times, about the shortage of Poppy Appeal collectors in Hatfield. He simply wasn’t going to let this be put at risk and thanks to his swift intervention, the Hatfield appeal’s collection went up by 50% in 2013. Subsequently, he has met with Herts County and local RBL reps, pledging his support even further through his personal backing to the two recent events.
Grant Shapps said, ‘The RBL is a national institution that has done so much work for nearly a century. Only last week, the same day as I launched the Hatfield appeal at the Galleria, I met a local man and WW2 veteran Henry, who had benefitted from a ‘scooter’ that gives him independence to get around - all completely paid for by the RBL. It’s important we back them, and all of our veterans and their families, past and present.’
This years’ Poppy Appeal is between 23rd October to Armistice Day. The Royal British Legion is the nation's largest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. Every single day the Royal British Legion needs to raise £1.6 million to fund it caring services. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem, the red poppy. www.britishlegion.org.uk