Wally, 103, is ‘doing his bit’ as Britain’s oldest seller
HONOUR Medal-laden Wally with tin MEET Britain’s oldest poppy seller – 103-year-old Walter Randall.
For the past 70 years the Second World War veteran, known as Wally, has volunteered for the annual Royal British Legion appeal. And this week he will be shaking his collecting tin once again. He said: “I like to do my little bit to help the heroes, like those taking part in the Invictus Games.
“I hope to be selling on Mondays and Wednesdays for a few hours, or for as long as I have the energy. “I am looking forward to it, I do enjoy it and people are so amount in pounds raised through the Legion’s poppy appeal in 2016 generous.” Wally turned 103 last month and takes over the title of oldest poppy seller from former Second World War nurse Rosemary Powell, who died aged 103 in August.
Wally served in the service corps during the war Wally was in North Africa and saw action in North Africa. He said: “I befriended an old First World War veteran while we were in Cairo and on our two days off we visited Alexandria and climbed the pyramids.” Wally’s local Royal British Legion, in Leighton Buzzard, Beds, has awarded him a lifetime certificate for his services and he has been both their branch and club chairman. This week he will be selling poppies in the town’s Wilko store. “They let me sit inside and keep me supplied with tea,” he added. Tell us what you think: yourvoice@mirror.co.uk