Theresa May donates to the Poppy Appeal as it launches outside Number 10
THERESA May made her own donation to the Poppy Appeal as it was launched outside 10 Downing Street.
Theresa May donates to the Poppy Appeal at its launch
Looking proud in his uniform, veteran Roy Miller, 92, was clearly delighted as the Prime Minister placed a note into his collection pot.
Miller, who is involved with The Royal British Legion’s appeal, shared a chat and joke with the Tory leader and shook her hand.
May struggled to pin the poppy onto her jacket and needed help from an aide, prompting smiles from the small crowd gathered to watch.
The public are being urged to donate to the charity and wear their poppy with pride in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13.
This year’s theme is Rethink Remembrance, which aims to recognise the sacrifices made not just by soldiers in the two world wars, but by today’s generation too.
The first Poppy Appeal was held in 1921, the founding year of The Royal British Legion.
Red silk poppies, inspired by the famous First World War poem In Flanders Fields, sold out instantly and raised more than £106,000.
The funds helped Great War veterans find employment and housing after the war.
The following year, the Poppy Factory was set up, employing disabled ex-servicemen to create the poppies to sell during the appeal.
Today, the factory still produces millions of poppies each year.
The legion is still providing support and servicemen and women as well as veterans.