A ‘TRUE inspiration’ veteran was welcomed to Rugby by members of local Royal British Legion (RBL) branches during his whistle-stop fund-raising journey around England.
To mark the centenary of the RBL and to raise money for the Poppy Appeal, 82-year-old veteran Mike Homer set himself a challenge to travel by train from Fareham Railway Station and visit 100 or more RBL branches in Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, and London in less than 100 hours.
Army veteran Mike, a Poppy Appeal Organiser in Fareham, Hampshire, is no longer allowed to drive due to a severe balance problem, so he must use his power assisted wheelchair – making the journey more of a challenge.
The pandemic meant that The Poppy Appeal did not raise the amount of money it normally would, so he decided he wanted to do something to boost the total.
Rugby’s Poppy Appeal Organisers and members from the Bilton, Hillmorton and Rugby No.1 RBL branches greeted Mike at Rugby Railway station to support him on his challenge.
After a quick change of platform, members were able to sign his paperwork and have a chat.
Mike was presented with some gifts as a memento to his stop-off in Rugby before continuing his journey to Worcestershire.
A spokesperson for Rugby’s RBL branches said: “Mike is a true inspiration and we wished him every success in his challenge.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mike-homer1 to donate.
