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The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for Gwent has today been launched in Blackwood.

The event, hosted by the Blackwood and District branch of the Royal British Legion, saw veterans, youth organisations and standard bearers parade from St Margaret’s Church down to Dragon Square, where members of the public lined the streets and show their support.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken, opened the event in Blackwood on October 23.

It was followed by performances from both Blackwood Primary and Libanus Primary School choirs.  

Ruth Jones, the Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, attended the event. She said: “It was wonderful to see so many people, especially young people, engaged in the service and learning the importance of remembrance and the poppy.

“Blackwood Royal British Legion has done a great job in organising this appeal once again, and I hope lots of money is raised for such a worthy cause.”

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge, who was also at the launch, described it as “such a proud day for all who attended”.

The Poppy Appeal, founded more than a century ago in 1921, aims to raise more than £50 million to fund the the Royal British Legion’s work.

The charity provides support to military personnel, veterans and their families throughout their lives, and is currently helping more than 7,000 members of the Armed Forces community.

One member of the Armed Forces community who received support from the RBL is Neil Cox from Gelligaer.

Neil and his partner had a son, Ben. in 2009, but separated shortly after following a mental health struggle. Sadly, several years later, Ben’s mother passed away from cancer.  

Neil, 50, became sole carer for Ben, but he was facing some financial difficulties after struggling to find work. He reached out to the Royal British Legion for support.

The charity was able to help by providing shopping vouchers, a tumble dryer, and financial support towards his gas and electric in a new home.  

Speaking on the impact of the support he received, Neil said: “It’s helped with everything, and the support of the Royal British Legion has been tremendous.

“I just wanted my son to be able to have a fresh start in life after he lost his Mam, as it’s been so difficult. It feels like the wheel of fortune has turned back around now.”

Lucy Inskip, Director of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, said the scheme “brings the nation together and helps us raise vital funds needed to support the Armed Forces community”.

She continued: “This year we’re highlighting how, when a veteran’s life falls apart, the RBL will always be there to help rebuild it in ways tailored to the Armed Forces community’s unique needs and circumstances. 

“Every day, ex-service personnel and their families come to the Royal British Legion for support when they become overwhelmed with issues including addiction, debt, homelessness, PTSD and relationship breakdowns.

“When something goes wrong, the RBL is there to help rebuild lives and provide members of the Armed Forces community with the support they need to create a better future.”