Our collectors have been at the heart of the Poppy Appeal for 100 years.
From all regions, walks of life and corners of the UK, meet some of those helping to raise vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.
I enjoy speaking to the people who come and donate, so it’ll be great to be back out there.Andy OwensArmy veteran and Poppy Appeal Collector for over 30 years
Become a Poppy Appeal collector
'Mrs Poppy’
Vera Parnaby has been a committed collector in County Durham for more than seven decades.
Known locally as ‘Mrs Poppy’, she has raised well in excess of £1m for the Poppy Appeal during 75 years of dedication to the Armed Forces community.
Vera's volunteering was recognised at the highest level when she was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours List 2026.
"I just want people to remember and make sure we all take a moment"
Jill Merrett
Jill has been a PAO in South East London for the Royal British Legion for the last eight years and is hugely passionate about the role.
“By being a collector, and then becoming a Poppy Appeal Organiser, it has allowed me to say thank you to our Armed services”
Originally starting out as a collector, Jill joined to pay tribute to her grandfather, who sadly died in the Somme during The First World War, as well as to her father, who served in the Royal Signals. She is now Chairman of her own Branch, as well as a Community Support Coordinator for Greater London.
I always look forward to doing our part to helpAdam SeftonAdam is an RBL Beneficiary and collects for the Poppy Appeal with his sons.
Become a Poppy Appeal collector
Your poppy shows you care
Rudi Champagnie
After a fortuitous meeting outside St Paul’s Cathedral in 2010, Rudi has been a Poppy Appeal Collector in London for the last 23 years and looks forward to it every year.
“As a way of giving back to the Royal British Legion, that’s why I volunteered. That two-and-a-half-week period, I feel on top of the world.”
Anne-Marie Cobley
Anne-Marie is the third generation in her family to be involved with the Poppy Appeal, beginning with her grandfather who began supporting the appeal in the 1950s.
"The Poppy Appeal is something I’ve grown up with from my parents’ and grandparents’ influence, and I love carrying on their tradition of selling poppies to raise vital funds."
As Poppy Appeal organiser for her local area in Newport, South Wales, Anne-Marie is looking forward to being out supporting the Poppy Appeal again this year.
It’s a fantastic feeling to be part of continuing the legacy of the poppy.Ashley MartinParamedic in the Royal Army Medical Corps and Poppy Appeal collector since 2016.
Become a Poppy Appeal collector
Ruby Sheffield
Ruby has dedicated eight years to supporting the Royal British Legion. Inspired by her father’s service in the British Army’s Royal Logistics Corps, Ruby began fundraising at just four years old after attending her local Remembrance parade.
“Knowing that the RBL helps veterans like my dad, I really wanted to start fundraising to help other families and know that every penny I make goes towards a great cause.”
Since then, Ruby has crafted over 10,000 homemade cards and hundreds of craft items, raising an impressive £16,500. Ruby’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, with her being named as Young Fundraiser of the Year 2026 at the National Fundraiser Awards.
