Carolann's Story

Joining the Royal British Legion and volunteering for the Poppy Appeal

Carolann’s husband, Alan, served in the British Army with The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and then went on to a successful career in business.

This led them to live in various countries in South East Asia, including Japan.

"I joined the Royal British Legion in Tokyo many years ago," recalls Carolann.

"My husband served with The Buffs and we knew some other veterans there who encouraged us to become members.

"I volunteered for the Poppy Appeal there and I remember the Royal British Legion bringing war widows over to visit their husband's graves who had served in the Second World War - it was so moving – and I think that's why I continue to help today."

Supporting veterans through Branch Community Support

After returning to the UK, they lived in Hove before moving up to North Wales where Carolann has continued to volunteer her time to support members of the Armed Forces community through RBL's Branch Community Support scheme.

"I have five people I keep in touch with on the telephone, and giving them someone to talk to is the main thing - to stop them feeling lonely," says Carolann.

"I have one gentleman I ring, and I can be on the phone for nearly two hours but I hardly say a word. He does all the talking – and that to me is important, it is all about listening."

Volunteers like Carolann offer companionship and a friendly listening ear through regular telephone calls and home visits.

For members of the Armed Forces community who may be feeling isolated or lonely, simply having someone to talk to can make a massive difference by helping to build meaningful connections to improve wellbeing and remind people they’re not alone.

"I enjoy talking and visiting people very much," adds Carolann.

"They become my friends and I always take a little gift like flowers or chocolates.

"And I always check if there is anything RBL can do for them – Poppy Appeal donations are used in so many different ways – and the help is there for everyone in the Armed Forces community."

Remembering those left behind and their families

For Carolann, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice is another important part of her role with the local RBL branch in Bodelwyddan.

"The poppy represents the remembrance of those who died in the First and Second World Wars, and all those who were left behind.

"I visit a war grave of a soldier called Alan who was killed in Afghanistan when he was 24, and I go every year at Christmas to lay a wreath.

"And this is what the poppy is all about – I remember him and the Royal British Legion remember him – and we remember his family."