ARMED Forces representatives travelled on a newly-decorated Warrington bus to mark the launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
The bus painted with red poppies is provided by Network Warrington. It left its depot on Wilderspool Causeway, escorted by the legion’s Rider’s Branch.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh – recently returned from Afghanistan – were on board with representatives from Network Warrington and officials from the legion.
A short launch took place outside the Town Hall, where a poppy was pinned onto a soldier from The Royal Welsh.
David Squire, Network Warrington managing director, said: “The Poppy Bus will be on the region’s roads for the next three years. We hope all those boarding the bus – and who see it travelling across our network – are encouraged to do their bit by giving to the Poppy Appeal and that they take a moment to reflect on what the iconic poppy image represents.”
The rear of the bus shows Arun Shelton of the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment. In 2007 he was badly injured in Afghanistan losing a leg and may in the future, need further amputation. When he was told he wasn’t “disabled enough” to continue to receive Disability Living Allowance, the legion represented him at a tribunal to appeal the decision successfully.
Arun said: “The support and advice I’ve received from the legion has been second to none. Putting on a poppy for me is about remembering the ultimate sacrifice my mates and others like them made. I’m still here, I’m getting married, I’m looking ahead – it could’ve been a lot worse.”
Julie Dove, of the legion, said: “Every year the people of Cheshire show their unequivocal support for the legion’s charity work through its Poppy Appeal.
“We are thrilled to have such generous support from Network Warrington with such a fantastic bus dedicated to the work of The Royal British Legion.”
