Can you help with this year’s Poppy Appeal?

They paid the ultimate sacrifice - they gave their lives defending Crown and country.
The Hemsworth branch of the Royal British Legion launches it's poppy appeal. Jean Price (chairman)/ Tony Upson (Chair of Hemsworth town council)/ Les Wheater (president)/ Sue Kemp (Organisor). (H553A344)The Hemsworth branch of the Royal British Legion launches it's poppy appeal. Jean Price (chairman)/ Tony Upson (Chair of Hemsworth town council)/ Les Wheater (president)/ Sue Kemp (Organisor). (H553A344)
The Hemsworth branch of the Royal British Legion launches it's poppy appeal. Jean Price (chairman)/ Tony Upson (Chair of Hemsworth town council)/ Les Wheater (president)/ Sue Kemp (Organisor). (H553A344)

Thousands of men and women who left loved ones at home to serve in the forces never returned home.

And for the hundreds of thousands more who do return home the effects of living with the threat of being killed every day can have devastating consequences as they try to adjust to civilian life.

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That is where the committed volunteers of Royal British Legion branches across the country come in.

Volunteers, many who have served in the forces themselves, will be out in supermarket foyers to sell poppies and pin badges to raise funds for the appeal from the end of next month.

But the Hemsworth branch, which offers vital support to former servicemen across the town, needs more volunteers to help raise funds.

Sue Kemp, poppy appeal organiser for the branch, said: “We would like some more volunteers to help sell the poppies and share the workload a little.

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“It’s very rewarding when you know you are doing something to help those who have served.

“We want to raise at least £10,500 this year and could just a do with a little help to achieve that.”

The Hemsworth branch will launch its annual appeal with a service at the town’s community centre, on Bullenshaw Road, on Friday, October 23.

It will begin at 11am.

Shops and businesses who would like to have a collection tin are also asked to get in touch over the next few weeks.

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The Hemsworth appeal covers Kinsley, Fitzwilliam, Ryhill, Havercroft and South Hiendley.

Coun Sandra Pickin, who is also a member of the Hemsworth Royal British Legion branch, called on people to support the charity.

She said: “One thing people forget all of the time is that you don’t have to have been in the forces to be a legion member.

“I get so much pleasure out of being in the legion and I’ve never served in the forces. I just find it so satisfying and am very proud to be giving something back to people who have given us everything.”

For more information or if you would like to get involved contact Mrs Kemp on 07966 071432 or email [email protected]