London Heathrow has pledged its support for The Royal British Legion by decorating its airfield vehicles with poppies.
Poppy flowers have been placed on 200 vehicles, from safety vehicles, tugs and fire engines, to mark its support for the Legion’s annual poppy appeal – the first time a charity image has been placed on Heathrow’s official vehicles.
Starting from London Poppy day (November 7) to Armistice Day (November 11), aircraft at the UK’s hub will be greeted by a host activities, donations and performances reminding passengers to donate to the great British cause.
Over one million people are expected to pass through Heathrow during the five days. The airport will donate £1 for every car parking booking made, Heathrow Express will offer free travel to the military, coin collectors will be at 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.
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.”
Susan Goldsmith, Operations Director at Terminal 5, 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 to raise the £1.6 million spent weekly by the Legion to deliver support and advice to the Armed Forced community.
London Heathrow’s long association with the military began during World War II when the government claimed 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.
The UK’s leading Armed Forces charity, the British Legion provides wide ranging support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present and their families, including crisis grants, family breaks, benefits and money advice and when situation warrants, inquest advice.
