Poppy appeal Andy dies
ANDY Reekie, who helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds to support ex-servicemen through the Poppy Appeal has died. He will have a full military funeral.
A MAN who helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds to support ex-servicemen through the Poppy Appeal has died.
The life of Andy Reekie, from the Bridgend branch of the Royal British Legion, will be marked with a full military funeral, which is due to take place on Thursday.
The news of his death was announced by branch colleagues just as it was revealed that the 2016 Poppy Appeal in Bridgend raised the record-breaking sum of £71,111.16.
Branch chairman John Crowdrey said: “This year’s figure is a record for the town of Bridgend and the legion would like to thank all those who have contributed or supported the Poppy Appeal in any way.
“These funds are used to help the Legion and its various support programmes, spending £1.4m a week supporting ex-servicemen and women, both young and old, in Bridgend and across the UK.
“This record-breaking figure is a testament to the hard work of Andy Reekie, who sadly passed away on March 10 after losing, his courageous fight with cancer.
“Andy had dedicated his life to his family and others and has been asso- ciated with the Bridgend branch of the British Legion since 1994 and was the Poppy Appeal organiser for a number of these years.
“His loss will be sadly felt by his family, the Legion and all those who knew him.
“Prior to his work with the Legion, Andy was in the Army Catering Corps for 25 years. Andy has also been given a Mayor’s Citizenship Award from the Borough Mayor and a similar award from the Bridgend Town Mayor for his services to the Poppy Appeal.”
Andy leaves a wife Julie and three children William, Siobhan and Daniel and five grandchildren.
A full military funeral (a celebration of Andy’s life) will be held on the Thursday, March 23, at 3.15pm at Bridgend Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, kind donations should made to the Royal British Legion and the family requested that those who are attending wear a poppy.