Heroes and villains launch Helston Poppy Appeal

Royal Navy sailors, Royal British Legion Volunteers, Cadets and a TV villain helped to launch Helston’s Poppy Appeal this year.

Army cadets and representatives from RNAS Culdrose, including Commanding Officer of the Air Station Captain Dan Stembridge ADC, joined volunteers to launch the 2017 appeal in the entrance of the Tesco supermarket on Saturday.

Actor Chris Chittell, who plays villain Eric Pollard in the ITV soap Emmerdale, also generously lent his support too.

Chris happened to be at the store at the time of the launch, and was only too happy to support the appeal, buying a poppy and posing for photos before carrying out his shopping.

The Culdrose Military Wives Choir, the Deputy Mayor of Helston and serving RNAS Culdrose personnel also gave up their time to support the launch. 

Vikki Breen, Chairperson of the Helston Branch of the Royal British Legion, and a Civil Servant at RNAS Culdrose said, “It was great to get so many people out to launch the appeal this year. Jenny Harvey, the Poppy Appeal coordinator works very hard and it is nice to give her support.”

The appeal has been led once again by Jenny Harvey with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers.

Over the course of the weekend just short of £3,200 was raised at the store, through the sales of poppies and other items.