The Poppy Appeal in Four Counties

Please refer to your County web page for more information - and send your Poppy news to the editor paul-harding@hotmail.co.uk!

Play video The Royal British Legion is the UK's biggest Armed Forces charity. Find out more about what we do and meet some of our beneficiaries. 00:03:29

The Hertfordshire Poppy Appeal was launched by going downhill fast at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, reports Community Fundraiser Natasha Robertson.

Special guest at the launch was Max Baggio, 15, the top skiier on the British Junior Ski Team, who showed his support by skiing around giant poppies on the artificial piste.

Also at the launch was a Hertfordshire man who received help from The Royal British Legion. Ex-soldier Michael Lake struggled to adjust to life after the Army and struggled with alcohol and mental health issues. The Royal British Legion helped get Michael back on his feet: "I was handed the number of The Royal British Legion, phoned them up, they got me on a course and got my life back on track. I've just had a son and the Legion helped furnish our house. I was given a cot for my son that I was embarrassed I couldn't provide, but the Legion doesn't make you feel that way, they make you feel special."

The launch drew a good media turnout with representatives of ITV Anglia, HEART FM, St Alban's Review, The Villager and the Hemel Hempstead Gazette.

Says Natasha: "All in all, it was exhausting but lots of fun and enjoyed by all!" Last year, Hertfordshire raised around £715,000 during the Poppy Appeal.

Here's Max showing his stuff;