An MP’s campaign to decorate the streets with poppies raised £3,000 in three hours.

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson wanted to express his gratitude to the Armed Services by hanging street poppies on lampposts throughout his constituency.

However, due to Covid-19, this was easier said than done.

The MP usually places his order through the Royal British Legion (RBL) but, due to the pandemic, the charity was not able to fundraise in the normal way. The RBL relies on the poppy appeal for the majority of its income, but donations have dropped because fundraising events have not been able to go ahead.

Lee said: “This is a charity close to my heart. So many residents contacted me about the street poppies but the legion is not in a position to distribute them this year.

“They rely on volunteers and many are elderly and vulnerable, so have had to shield. I liaised with Coun Melanie Darrington, of Skegby, as she wanted to do something too.
“Melanie offered to receive and distribute the poppies throughout the constituency. I placed a big order not really knowing how many people would buy one for a minimum £3 donation. I was overwhelmed when the £3,000 target was met in just three hours. I’m deeply humbled – the people of Ashfield have done themselves proud.”

The fundraiser has been so successful that the MP has immediately placed another order with the RBL. If you want to donate and decorate your street, find the details here.