AN independent funeral director in Crewkerne and South Petherton has participated in a fundraising campaign to help raise £500,000 for the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland.
A E Stoodley & Son Ltd has partnered with funeral plan provider Golden Charter in a campaign that sees £25 donated to the charities for every eligible Golden Charter plan sold.
The money has been raised since the partnership between the Royal British Legion, Golden Charter and 691 independent funeral directors started five years ago.
A E Stoodley and Son has also asked members of the local community to decorate 100 poppies for the poppy appeal's centenary year.
Tracey Warren of A E Stoodley & Son said: "We are delighted to be involved in this very important campaign with the Royal British Legion.
"My great grandfather was killed in the First World War and my grandfather served in the Navy in World War Two.
"It is a campaign extremely close to my heart and we think it is important to understand the significance of the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion.
"Our community project to support the campaign is called ‘100 for 100’.
"We are asking the local community to decorate 100 poppies to celebrate the centenary year of the poppy appeal.
"It’s a beautiful way to raise money and involve our local community."
Ben France, head of corporate partnerships at the Royal British Legion, said: "We are extremely proud of everything we have achieved in our fundraising partnership with Golden Charter and its independent funeral director partners since 2016.
"We are truly thankful that the partnership has reached an incredible milestone of £500,000 raised.
"These vital funds will help us to provide life-long support to serving and ex-members of the British Armed Forces and their families through hardships."
Suzanne Grahame, chief executive at Golden Charter, added: "We’re very proud to see this campaign raise £500,000 for such an important cause, thanks to participation from funeral directors across the UK like A E Stoodley & Son.
"They were one of 691 independent funeral directors who came together to raise funds, showing just how much can be achieved from working together.
"I’m looking forward to seeing this number grow as we enter the sixth year of the campaign and prepare to support the Poppy Appeal over the coming months!"
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