A FORMER Chelmsford soldier helped to launch a £1 million fundraising target for Essex, as part of the nationwide Poppy Appeal.
Ex-lance corporal Ben Roberts, formerly of the Royal Anglian Regiment, met pupils at Mayflower High School in Billericay last week to kick start the appeal in memory of servicemen and women killed in conflicts, and to support surviving veterans.
The event, organised by the Royal British Legion, was held to coincide with the centenary of the breakout of the First World War.
Mr Roberts, 33, himself a beneficiary of the charity, said: "The Legion has helped me so much over the past few years and has given me the confidence to get on with my life.
"I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and sometimes day-to-day life is a struggle.
"But I have benefited from not only a friendly face from the Legion, but I have been sent on a Poppy Break, my first proper holiday in years.
"It has given me money and debt advice, helped me with a rent deposit and helped me to furnish my home to make it a safe and warm place to live.
"I owe it so much and feel very privileged to help them launch this year's Poppy Appeal in such a special anniversary year."
At Thursday's event, students, dressed in red polo tops and dark blazers to depict a human poppy, circled around the honoured guest, Mr Roberts, to signify the 'Live On' motto of the Royal British Legion.
The poppy is recognised as a universal symbol of remembrance and hope, and has been seen as such since it was first used 100 years ago to represent the fallen.
Head teacher of Mayflower High School, Lee Brumby, added that he was deeply honoured to be a part of the county's Poppy Appeal launch.
He said: "We are proud that we have been chosen to help the Royal British Legion launch its annual Poppy Appeal in Essex, in such a memorable year – 100 years after the outbreak of World War I."
Each year, in early November, around 30,000 Legion volunteers take to the streets with poppies and collecting boxes, raising millions of pounds for the Poppy Appeal.
As of the start of June 2014, Essex alone has raised £1,087,050.33 for the 2013/2014 Poppy Appeal.
People who wish to donate can do so by phoning 0845 845 1945 for more information.
Alternative ways to donate are outlined at www.britishlegion.org. uk/get-involved/how-to-give
