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Ex-servicemen gather to launch Dorset Poppy Appeal

Janice Filmon was presented the first poppy of this year’s annual Royal Canadian Legion fundraiser.

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We go up and down Adelaide Street and Oxford Street and any retail outlet we just go in and ask them if they would mind putting a poppy box on their country.

“Fortunately my dad did come back and that is why, and it’s always been part of my life and we must look after our forces, so anything I can do for them I will”.

Barbara Windsor was on promotional duties this morning as she helped to launch this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Thousands of servicemen and women will sell the distinctive red flowers at railway stations across the United Kingdom in a bid to raise more than £1m in a single day.

Tony Hayes, chief executive of the Veterans Association United Kingdom, which helps former members of the Armed Forces suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, said her comments were “very much appreciated”.

Funds from the poppy campaign are used for the care and support of veterans and their dependents.

He said: “We think it’s a marvellous cause”.

I was inspired to do this after the huge response to the Tower Bridge ceramic poppies a year ago.

During the poppy campaign, Legion members across Canada volunteer their time to distribute poppies and raise money through donations.

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Events are taking place around the county to mark Remembrance Sunday, including services of commemoration.

Ex-servicemen gather to launch Dorset Poppy Appeal