Tri-Service

Boris Johnson Joins Brian Blessed To Launch Poppy Appeal

London-based servicemen and women have joined Mayor Boris Johnson and Brian Blessed at the capital's Poppy Day launch.

Sailors, soldiers and airmen based in London joined the pair at Liverpool Street station. Sgt Rupert Frere said:

"It was a fantastic turnout and great to see so much support for the appeal. It is amazing to have two such larger than life characters among the many supporters of the Poppy Appeal and the Armed Forces."

The Shakespearean actor and Blackadder star lent his sonorous voice to the Mayor’s call for Londoners to back the capital’s annual collection on Thursday 30th October.

Rush-hour commuters last year helped raised £1 million in just 24 hours for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, supporting the British Armed Forces past and present, and their families.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: London Poppy Day this Thursday promises to be another ambitious and exciting day of street-collecting and entertainment across the capital. Last year Londoners made a huge contribution to support those who gave, and give so much.

"This year, in the centenary of the start of the conflict which gave birth to the poppy as both a symbol of Remembrance and hope, I know Londoners will dig deep and wear our poppies with immense pride."

“I echo that”, quipped Blessed, who completed his national service as a parachutist in the RAF.