Legion's poppy appeal organiser steps down

Keith Iles has been organising the appeal for 12 years and has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

However, due to his health the 79-year-old is stepping down from his position.

He joined the Royal Airforce when he was just 17 and during his five years service was billeted to Cyprus, Jordan and Jerusalem where he met King Faisal.

In his 60’s he joined the Royal British Legion and soon became a committee member and after a couple of years took on the post of Poppy Appeal Organiser which he has continued until earlier this month.

Debbie Westlake, Community Fundraiser for the poppy appeal in West Yorkshire said: “Mr Iles has done the most incredible job in raising between £12,000 and £13,000 during the two weeks of Remembrance every year.

“Unfortunately due to his health Keith can no longer commit to organising the Poppy Appeal in the area although will continue to volunteer and offer support and advice where he can.

“We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Keith for all the hard work and commitment he has given the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and all the valuable funds he has helped raise which support our Armed Forces community.

“Without an organiser Brighouse could well be without poppies this year so we need to find a new member of the public to take on the role of Poppy Appeal Organiser and take on the task of organising the distributing poppies.

“We think it is vitally important to keep the Poppy Appeal local and ensure poppies are easily available at all your local shops /pubs etc.

“Please note you do not have to be a member of the Royal British Legion to take on this important role. We are looking for an enthusiastic member of the public who believes our armed forces deserve a descent quality of life and that it’s imperative that we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The Poppy Appeal Organiser role is lots of fun and certainly rewarding and you get to hear many emotive stories about why people are supporting us.

“Hopefully with the continuing support of Keith’s volunteers this shouldn’t be too much of a daunting task.

If you think you would like to get involved with the Poppy Appeal, please contact Debbie Westlake on 07880 780 207 or [email protected]