London Poppy Day

28 October 2009

The Lloyd's Branch of The Royal British Legion are mobilising volunteers and Armed Forces personnel to support this year’' Poppy Appeal on London Poppy Day, Thursday 5 November, targeting an increase in their contribution to £50,000.

Over 200 volunteers, supported by more than 50 serving Service men and women, will be manning 21 underground and railway stations around the City during both rush hours to boost collections for the Poppy Appeal.

Additionally, a lunchtime collection in Leadenhall Market will feature 'Poppy Man', a piper together with soldiers and airmen from the Royal Air Force, the Ghurkhas, the Argylls and the Guards including Welsh Guardsmen who have recently returned from Afghanistan.

Mark Drummond-Brady, Chairman of the Lloyd's Branch of The Royal British Legion, comments: "In 2008, with 100 volunteers we raised just short of £20,000 for the Poppy Appeal and this year we have doubled our volunteers and military support which we hope will raise £50,000."

"Our volunteers are a mix of reservists, former Service men and women and general supporters who take time out of their daily jobs to help raise funds for the Appeal. Led by the insurance sector, they cover banking, asset management and legal companies as well as numerable other firms and organisations including this year for the first time, Forces In Real Estate," he added.

Lord Peter Levene, President of the Lloyd's Branch of The Royal British Legion, says: "I am delighted to acknowledge the ever impressive efforts of the Lloyd's Branch of the Legion who, together with insurance market and other volunteers, all work together to raise funds for the annual Poppy Appeal, giving back much needed support to those in the Armed Forces who, ultimately, protect the City by their service abroad."

Russell Thompson, Director of National Events of Fundraising, The Royal British Legion, says that all funds raised go towards the £60 million needed annually in order to continue the many initiatives they undertake: "Since 2003, the Legion has helped 10,000 veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan with direct financial assistance, and our campaigns have resulted in £7.5 million additional compensation paid to our most seriously injured heroes from these military operations."

"The Poppy Appeal this year is about helping the Afghan generation of the Armed Forces and their families – today and for the rest of their lives," he added. The remembrance ceremony at Lloyd’' on Wednesday, 11 November will also mark the start of  another initiative of the Lloyd's Branch of the Legion, whereby a traditional insurance slip will be taken around Lloyd's and the London Market, as well as further afield in the City, to raise additional corporate donations.

Lloyd's Branch of The Royal British Legion
The Lloyd's Royal British Legion branch, the only remaining 'trade branch' of the Legion, was formed in 1947 to help members of the Lloyd's community who were wounded and the families of those who lost their lives in conflicts.

Key collection locations

Other collections locations
The following stations will be manned from 07.00 to 09.00am and 5.00 to 7.00 pm:

Bank, Monument, Mansion House, Cannon Street, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Moorgate, Old Street, Farringdon, St Paul's, Tower Hill, Waterloo, Chancery Lane, Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Green Park, St James's Park, King's Cross, Victoria and Westminster.

For Press Enquiries
regarding London Poppy Day or The Poppy Appeal

Liam Maguire, Public Relations Officer, The Royal British Legion
T: 020 3207 2242 M: 07976213857 E: lmaguire@britishlegion.org.uk
or
Roddy Langley, Lysander PR,
T: 07740 633 296  E: roddy@lysanderpr.com

For information on how you can get involved
Mark Drummond-Brady: Mark_Drummond-Brady@jltgroup.com or
Ben Hancock: benjamin.hancock@aon.co.uk

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