Royal British Legion's Alsager branch has backed a heartfelt plea by the RBL's Assistant Director of Operations for people to throw their weight behind this year's Poppy Appeal.

Nicola Cook, who holds the position of Assistant Director of Operations, says every poppy counts this year as the organisation celebrates its 100th anniversary.

And she said the charity has seen a jump in the numbers of veterans asking for help due mental health issues, drugs or alcohol related problems or "street homeless".

This weekend sees the launch of the Poppy Appeal in Alsager when volunteers will be at Asda and collection boxes will be at various shops and premises throughout the town.

Alsager Poppy Appeal organiser, Stewart Waring, says the branch is hoping it can reach its figure of just over £19,000 two years ago. Last year, despite the pandemic, he says just over £9,000 was raised and he is hoping people will once again give generously.

"We are grateful for all the volunteers who help and for all the donations. People are going through hard times but we are still hoping we can raise a good amount," he said.

Nicola Cook said: "This year's 2021 Poppy Appeal is especially important as the charity celebrates its centenary, marking 100 years of Remembrance and providing help to veterans and their families who need a helping hand.

Married to a former army captain Nicola is in charge of all the RBL welfare teams who provide support in the UK and overseas to 40,000 veterans every year.

Nicola told Nub News that she sees the difference her teams make every day to the lives of veterans and their families.

She said: "Whether it is buying school uniforms for children whose family have fallen on hard times, providing rent and accommodation to veterans who are homeless or providing employment grants to those who need help finding a job, the Royal British Legion will always be

there.

"We are there for those who have served our country and the families who have supported them.

"Last year, 2020, was the first year in the Legion's 100 year history that volunteer collectors were not on the streets and in supermarkets across the country collecting vital donations for the charity.

"2020 hit us hard," said Nicola. "Even during the Second World War we had collectors out there raising money.

"We also saw an increase in veterans asking for help who had mental health concerns, drug or alcohol problems or were street homeless.

"Every Poppy really will count this year if we are going to make a difference to all those who ask for a helping hand."

Nicola will have the privilege of attending the Festival of Remembrance in London this year in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and the wider Royal family.this year.