The Royal British Legion is encouraging people to lace up their trainers this October and November to take part in its free to enter Virtual My Poppy Run to help support service and ex-service personnel and their families.
The Legion’s Poppy Run events, which usually take place in ten Cities across the country, including Cardiff, are unable to go ahead in their usual format this year due to social distancing measures. Instead, people can show their support for the 2020 Poppy Appeal with the ‘virtual’ version, My Poppy Run.
The My Poppy Run participants can choose to run, jog or walk a distance of their choice and get family, friends and pets involved too. Wherever and whenever runners choose to do their Poppy Run, from the treadmill to local park, they will be helping to transform and support the lives of many in our Armed Forces Community, raising vital funds to ensure that those who have served are offered the life changing support they need and deserve.
Sharon Wells, Events Partnerships Manager for The Royal British Legion said; “My Poppy Run is a fantastic way for people to show their support for The Royal British Legion and have some fun with family and friends at the same time. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has created huge challenges for the Legion, as we approach our 99th Poppy Appeal, there will be more ways than ever for people to show their support, including new and remote ways to take part and raise vital funds for service personnel, veterans and their families who are struggling through hardships, injuries and bereavements.
Members of the Armed Forces community need the Legion’s help now more than ever, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that those who have served are being looked after, no matter what challenges the country faces.”
Ex-soldier Lawrence Philips took out a small loan to help the family get through Christmas, but with Lawrence unable to work due to Covid-19, the debt quickly spiralled out of control. However, with the help of the Legion’s Benefits, Debt and Money Advice team (BDMA), Lawrence was able to clear his debts.
Lawrence said, “The Legion saved my life. They have helped me sort out both my mental health and my financial health. I’m debt-free and looking forward to starting a new career, I cannot thank them enough.”
My Poppy Run can be completed any time between the 1st October and 30th November and is free to enter. For more information and to sign up, visit:
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/things-to-do/events/my-poppy-run
