FUNDRAISERS in Maldon have thanked volunteers, participants and donors after raising a record sum for the Poppy Appeal.
Poppies were sold in areas including Maldon, Heybridge, Latchingdon, Purleigh, Woodham Walter and Woodham Mortimer.
The grand total was £53,606, an increase of £6,000 from last year.
A spokesman said: “Special thanks for supporting the Poppy Appeal must go to Sholto Morton whose longevity as a previous organiser cannot be understated, to Sue Wright and the Pioneers who also made items.
“Recognition also to the Stitch and Sow group from Heybridge Basin who raised an amazing £600, and to Maria Smith who crochets her own poppies, raising £145.”
Since the First World War, the poppy has come to represent the sacrifice of those who were killed or wounded in action.
It was eventually adopted by the British Legion in 1921 as a symbol for the Poppy Appeal, in support of those serving in the British Armed Forces.
Terry Wynn, the new Poppy Appeal organiser for Maldon and Heybridge, said: “This was all achieved by a combination of 200 volunteer collectors who collected donations at Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Wickes and Maldon High Street.
“In addition, some 200 shops and other premises had trays of poppies.
"Every poppy shows you care about the lives of our Armed Forces community.
“Thank you and well done to everyone, it really is appreciated.”
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