Poppy Appeal raised £23k this year

THE people of Ashbourne have again shown the extent of their generosity, by helping to raise a record sum for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The Ashbourne branch of the Royal British Legion, which oversees the huge fund-raising campaign each year, has announced that Ashbourne has raised £22,978.09 for the charity this year - the largest ever amount.

And the branch’s president Brell Ewarts says the sum is set to grow even further as donations made directly to supermarkets has yet to be added.

He told the News Telegraph: “This is a significant and wonderful achievement.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Royal British Legion to record our thanks all those who took time to act as collectors on the house-to-house and street collections, schools in the town who all participated, and businesses who allowed the collecting boxes to be in their premises.

“Finally of course to everyone who made the donations so generously.

“It would be remiss not to acknowledge the leadership given to our local poppy appeal by Stuart Lees and his family, ably supported on every single day by June Hill. An inspirational element to the success.

“The total raised is a record collection for Ashbourne and again illustrates the significance and support that the town’s residents place on our military personnel and families who have supported our Monarch and country with their service in times past and present.

“On behalf of everyone at the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and all those in need who will benefit from the appeal a heartfelt thank you.”