Heathrow Airport Pledges Support To Poppy Appeal
Has decorated vehicles with poppies and organised events
Heathrow Airport has pledged its support for The Royal British Legion by decorating its vehicles with poppies. The distinctive flowers have been placed on 200 vehicles, from safety vehicles, tugs and fire engines, to mark its support for the poppy appeal – the first time a charity image has been placed on Heathrow’s official vehicles.
Aircraft will be greeted by the fleet of support during the next week as part of a host activities, donations and performances from London Poppy day (7 th) to Armistice Day (11 th), reminding passengers to donate to the great British cause.
During this time, over 1 million people will pass through Heathrow. The airport has pledged to donate £1 for every car parking booking made, Heathrow Express will offer free travel to the military, coin collectors will be in all terminals and passengers will be treated to a host of musical performances and celebrations from the British military services including pipers and Scottish dancers.
Heathrow has had a long association with the military, which began during World War II when the government requisitioned land in and around the ancient agricultural village of Heath Row as a base for long-range troop-carrying aircraft bound for the Far East. Many employees have also served with the Armed Forces.
Paul Farmer, a Security Duty Manager who previously served as an RAF Policeman, said; “I am delighted to be able to show support for The Royal British Legion. Serving in the Armed Forces gave me many of the skills I still use at Heathrow today and I am so grateful for their help when I made the transition into work.”
Terminal 5 Operations Director, Susan Goldsmith said:“We are delighted to be supporting The Royal British Legion with their poppy appeal campaign. Many of our passengers and employees have served in countries across the globe and we know this is a cause that is very close to their hearts.”
Every poppy helps raise the £1.6 million spent by the Legion each week to deliver practical help and advice to the Armed Forced community. The Legion provides wide ranging support including crisis grants, family breaks, benefits and money advice and at times sadly, inquest advice.
November 4, 2013
