Join in The 1918 Poppy Pledge

This year marks a significant anniversary, the centenary of the end of World War 1 and a poignant landmark in our history.

But it’s also a chance to make a positive difference if you join The 1918 Poppy Pledge, a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise much-needed funds for Poppyscotland.

The charity works tirelessly to support the Armed Forces community, and thousands of people have pledged to each raise a minimum of £1918 this year, to honour our bravest and make a lasting difference.

Rhidian Jones has signed up for the Poppy Pledge. Having served in the Army for 16 years, Rhidian is no stranger to facing tests of strength, endurance and stamina.

But this year, the 43-year-old, from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, is taking on a task he admits is his most challenging yet.

As part of his fundraising efforts, Rhidian will complete a combined 100 miles of race events – one mile for every year since the armistice.

And if that wasn’t enough, he will also take every step with 20kg

The charity are asking schools, groups, clubs, organisations and individuals around the country to step forward and take The 1918 Poppy Pledge, making it their mission to raise £1918 by Remembrance Sunday on November 11.

Could you rally your comrades and spring into action to help?

Visit www.poppyscotland. org.uk/poppypledge strapped to his back.

“I wanted to raise money for Poppyscotland, which I think is a fantastic charity, but I also wanted to raise awareness of the fact that it is the centenary year,” explained Rhidian, who now works in the financial sector after leaving the Army six years ago. “I wanted to do something that would capture the imagination – marching with weights is also a very military activity, and I thought I would do 100 miles to represent every year since the First World War. “I also wanted to do a series of events throughout the year – if I had one event, I thought it would be a ‘big bang’ then it would be over and done with. Whereas I’m doing my events from April right through to November 11, so I think that means I will continue to capture people’s imaginations throughout the year.”

Alongside Poppy Pledgers around the country, Rhidian has “enlisted” to raise £1918 during the course of the year, and it is hoped the schools, groups, clubs, organisations and individuals taking part will help donate £500,000 towards Poppyscotland’s vital work.

Money raised from The 1918 Poppy Pledge will help Poppyscotland provide lifechanging support to members of the Armed Forces community. The charity provides tailored funding and assistance also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.

Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising Gordon Michie said: “The Poppy Pledge will be a lasting tribute to those who fell in the First World War but importantly, it will also allow us to make a step change in the scale of support Poppyscotland is able to provide those who rely on our support today.”