Two Royal Navy veterans selling poppies on Northern trains in Yorkshire say passengers have been sharing family memories and stories of their own service.
Andrew Wall, 59, and Pete Bolton, 76, are among 15 Poppy Express volunteers collecting donations for the Royal British Legion ahead of Remembrance Day on Wednesday 11th November.
Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 33 years. He said he wanted to give something back to the Legion after it helped him “make the transition back to civilian life”.
Andrew said:
“The reaction on board has been very positive, from the small children wanting to know what the poppy means, to the older generation with family that served in the Second World War, and the veterans who share stories about their service.
"It’s very humbling and heartwarming.”
Pete, who served in the Royal Navy for two years, said:
“On Remembrance Day, it’s important to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also help the veterans who made it home.
“I would urge everyone to make a donation, no matter how small, to help such a worthwhile cause. Every penny counts.”
Army veteran Denis Scaife, 75, and his wife Barbara, 76, started the Poppy Express 11 years ago.
Last year, the team raised £38,000 in three weeks.
The East Yorkshire couple travelled more than 1,200 miles by train last week, collecting thousands of pounds on journeys between London, Hull and Stirling.
Northern is offering free travel to serving military personnel and veterans attending remembrance services on Sunday 8th November.
Staff will lay poppy wreaths at services at 12 railway stations next week, including Sheffield and Hull.
They will also attend the Railway Industry Remembrance Service in York on Wednesday 11th November.
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