A RENEWED appeal has been sounded to replace a veteran Poppy Appeal organiser to help raise funds for ex-servicemen and women.

Tony Martin, who has organised the appeal in Cippenham for 14 years, has stepped down due to age and ill health, and if someone does not comes forward, there might not be poppies in the area this year.

Last year Mr Martin and his team raised more than £13,000 for the appeal, and he said he would be on hand to help the new organiser in the first year.

Annie Duffin, Poppy Appeal community fundraiser, said: “Cippenham has a great Poppy Appeal and I would like to say thank you to Tony and the team of collectors for growing the appeal to the success it is today.

“It would be a huge shame if we can not get any more organisers to continue running the local appeal.

“You do not need to be a Royal British Legion member to volunteer just willing to help make a difference in your community.

“Unless someone comes forward to organise the Poppy Appeal there might not be any poppies available in Cippenham this year.” The role of the organiser involves co-ordinating the distribution of poppies to local shops and businesses and counting and banking money during Remembrance fortnight – October 25 to November 8.

If you can help, contact Annie Duffin on 0777 622 7768 or email aduffin@britishlegion.org.uk