TV hardman Ross Kemp braved storm Ciaran to launch London Poppy Day, which aims to raise £1million for military veterans in just 24 hours.
Two Royal Navy ratings powered Ross along the Thames in a high-speed inflatable boat to join 1,000 servicemen and women selling poppies to commuters.
PATV hardman Ross Kemp braved storm Ciaran to launch London Poppy Day, which aims to raise £1million for military veterans in just 24 hours[/caption]
Paul EdwardsFormer EastEnders actor Ross is an ambassador for the Royal British Legion, which raises £40million from poppy sales each year[/caption]
As he landed at Westminster Pier, Ross joked: “Thank goodness it wasn’t the Royal Marines.
“Last time I was in a boat with them they did donuts and tried to dump me in the water!”
Former EastEnders actor Ross is an ambassador for the Royal British Legion, which raises £40million from poppy sales each year.
He said: “Last year 27,000 members of our services community were helped by the Royal British Legion and grants were made of more than £10million to thousands of people who were in desperate need.
“And last year the Legion helped veterans claim £6.6million of benefits and pensions.
“Some of the people who have served are not aware of what they are entitled to, so they should ask the RBL to help them.
“If anybody deserves it, they do.”
Ross, 59, also revealed how the Legion is recruiting more nurses to care for veterans of all ages suffering from dementia.
He said: “The number of veterans suffering from dementia is a concern.
“It can develop sometimes because of their service or because of the lifestyle that comes with serving in the Forces.
“That is why we are training many more nurses to visit people who have served and have dementia.”
Ross, who has made documentaries in Afghanistan about British soldiers there, added: “Wearing a poppy is not just about saying you are thankful and that you care. It is about the sacrifice that was made for democracy.
“Democracy comes at a price and that price has been paid by people who served in our armed forces.”
Meanwhile, DJ Ken Bruce and musician Jools Holland OBE made announcements on London Tube trains urging passengers to support the poppy appeal.
Veterans and serving personnel visiting London for Remembrance weekend on November 11 and 12 travel free thanks to Network Rail.
Buy a poppy from one of the 40,000 collectors around the country or donate here.
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