Hear'Say Launched The National 2001 Poppy Appeal

Hear'Say Launched The National 2001 Poppy Appeal Popstars sensations Hear'Say joined forces with The Royal British Legion to launch the National 2001 Poppy Appeal. The five singers - Myleene, Suzanne, Kym, Noel and Danny - were at London's Covent Garden Market to help raise awareness and support for the 80th Poppy Appeal, which funds the Legion's welfare and resettlement work for ex-Service people and their dependants. The 2000 Poppy Appeal raised £20.1 million, the largest total ever, and the Legion aims to raise even more in 2001, its 80th anniversary year. Some 15 million ex-Service people and their families in the UK, affected by time in military service or any conflict up to the present day, are eligible to approach the Legion for help. Hear'Say said "We are really pleased to be doing our bit and feel honoured to be asked to launch the 2001 Poppy Appeal. The Poppy Appeal is as relevant today to all age groups as it was when the Legion first began helping ex-Service people and we hope our support will help the Legion meet this year's target." The Royal British Legion, said: "We are delighted that Hear'Say are here to launch the Poppy Appeal. Last year the Legion spent more than £43 million carrying out its charitable work, and the annual Poppy Appeal, the lifeblood of the Legion's welfare programme, raises half of that. The rest comes through corporate supporters, legacies, fundraising events and more, but every year we need additional public support. Cont/2.. Wearing a poppy, the symbol of Remembrance, is a small yet significant gesture, when we remember the price of freedom. We urge everyone to get involved and help us to support the men and women who have been prepared to sacrifice so much so that the rest of use can live our lives peacefully." Recent conflicts across the world, plus the current events in Afghanistan, have brought Remembrance into sharper focus than usual. The Royal British Legion will be on hand to provide whatever support may be needed in the same way it has to millions affected by conflict and their time in the Services for the last 80 years. Note To Editors For more information on regional launches, please contact the Legionline on telephone - 08457 725 725. Photography of the National Launch is available on PA. Naomi Byrne Rachel Phillips Tel: 020 7539 2691 Tel: 020 7539 2656 E: naomi.byrne@bisslancaster.com E: rachel.phillips@bisslancaster.com Further information from: The Royal British Legion - Rachelle Simpson / Lisa Burrell - 020 7973 7264 / 7280 Issued by: The Press Office, The Royal British Legion, 48 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JY Tel: 020 7973 7265/7296/7292 Fax: 020 7973 7239 ISDN Broadcast studio: 020 7321 0476 (By prior arrangement) Internet: www.britishlegion.org.uk Email: rsimpson@britishlegion.org.uk Legion Releases can also be downloaded from PRNet: www.prnet.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/10/26/20011026BIT01230/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/10/26/20011026BIT01230/bit0001.pdf