Aylesbury MP meets with veteran charities and the Poppy Appeal

He pledged to continue to stand up for veterans, both locally and in the House of Commons.

Rob also spoke online with the local branch of the Royal British Legion and discussed the fundraising difficulties they’ve faced this year. The Legion’s Aylesbury town centre

pop-in is currently closed due to the coronavirus restrictions, but the Legion is continuing to provide support to former personnel across the local area.

Rob said:

“It's been much harder to raise funds for the poppy appeal this year. Many of the dedicated collectors have been unable to volunteer this year, and the new national restrictions needed to combat COVID-19 have closed many of the stalls in our town centres.

“But the Legion continues to provide fantastic support for local veterans, with everything from welfare advice to mobility aids.”

Later, Rob met representatives of the Royal Naval Association, the Army Benevolent Fund, and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. Rob said:

“It was a real privilege to meet these organisations, and I’m incredibly impressed by the camaraderie that continues among our veterans. It’s inspirational to see how many of

them continue to serve their communities by helping their former colleagues move back into civilian life.”

Afterwards, Rob added:

“Coronavirus has prevented many of these excellent charities from carrying out their normal fundraising this year. Yet these hard-working organisations and their committed volunteer teams continue to look out for our Armed Forces family. Sadly, some veterans suffer homelessness or fall into debt, and the direct help provided by the armed forces charity provide a real lifeline. Other former personnel appreciate having a friendly face to talk to during the winter months, and there are certainly incredibly warm and friendly people in Aylesbury who are making a huge difference.

“This is the time of year we remember the fallen; in 2020, it’s especially important to remember that Every Poppy Counts.”