Poppy appeal: on the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day, TfL is hoping to beat last year’s record donation of £1.4m

Transport for London is marking the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day today in efforts toraise record levels of donations to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal to support the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

Singer Elaine Paige has recorded special announcements for stations across London’s transport network, encouraging donations to the London Poppy Appeal.

There is also poppy-themed roundels at Overground stations, at Victoria Coach Station and Tube stations including Balham and London Bridge.

London Poppy Day started in 2006 with 10 volunteers raising £500. The organisers of this first day were volunteers from the RBL’s Lloyds of London Branch and were all veterans. London Poppy Day is the biggest cash street collection of its kind in Europe and offers the public a unique opportunity to interact with service personnel.

Today across London, collections will be taking place until 7pm, with more than 2,500 volunteers supporting fundraising efforts. Last year, Royal British Legion surpassed their fundraising target of £1 million by more than £400,000.

Royal British Legion bands will also perform at a selection of stations.

A lone piper was seen at East Croydon Station yesterday, said to be in support of the Poppy appeal.

Poppy-branded buses and trains are operating across London’s transport network.

“I’m delighted to support London Poppy Day as we mark the 20th anniversary of this important event in our capital,” said London’s Mayor, Lord Khan.

“This is the biggest street collection of its kind in Europe, and I’d like to thank all the Armed Forces personnel and Poppy Appeal collectors who will be out fundraising across the city. I hope Londoners will once again show their generosity and help the Royal British Legion continue its vital work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.”

Lucy Inskip, director, Poppy Appeal, said: “The Royal British Legion is incredibly grateful for the continued support of Transport for London. TfL has played an important role in helping us bring the capital together to honour and support our Armed Forces community, and we’re proud to have their support once again for this milestone year.

“Their contribution helps us raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal and ensure we can continue to be there for serving personnel, veterans and their families, whenever they need us.”

London’s transport network will join the rest of the country in observing the two-minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day on November 11 to commemorate British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who lost their lives in World War I and II.

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