Birkenhead poppy appeal total breaks all records

Dec 23 2009 by Matt Hurst, Wallasey News

ONE of Wirral’s Royal British Legion branches has delivered a record-breaking poppy appeal total – just a year after teetering on the brink of closure.

The world’s first legion, based on Park Road East, in Birkenhead, increased funds by a massive 25% on last year, to reach a huge total of £53,000 – and the money is still coming in.

Julie Dove, Poppy Appeal co-ordinator for Wirral and Cheshire, said: “This is a fabulous result for the Poppy Appeal in Birkenhead and shows the Legion has the unequivocal support of the public who are well aware of the work which is needed to help our Armed Forces past and present.

“With the current operation in Afghanistan, the demand on our resources is high and the Poppy Appeal funds that vital welfare work.”

Last year, the Birkenhead branch, which also includes monies raised in West Kirby, generated £41,000, a figure organisers were hoping to match.

But a new team, built around Chris Williams and her deputy, Tanya Cawood have outstripped even the wildest expectations.

Tanya told the News: “We were hoping it would go up a bit but because of the economic climate at the moment we were quite dubious about whether we would get that much.

“We thought we may break even or maybe increase by a little, but not 25%.”

Tanya praised the branch’s “fantastic team of collectors” and said the door was always open for those who would like to get involved.

And Julie Dove added: “The Birkenhead team, led by Chris and Tanya, has done an amazing job.”

lTo take part, call 0151 652 2774