Bill Bailey and Ross Kemp support London Poppy Day fundraising
Comedian and musician Bill Bailey, along with actor and Royal British Legion Ambassador Ross Kemp, are set to champion TfL fundraising efforts for London Poppy Day. This initiative, a collaboration with the Royal British Legion (RBL), pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of the armed forces.
On this significant day, poppy tributes will once again adorn London’s transport network. TfL aims to raise over £1 million through collections at 70 stations across the capital, running from 07:00 to 19:00. As the voice of the London Poppy Appeal, Bill Bailey has recorded special announcements that will resonate throughout the London Underground and rail networks, encouraging commuters to contribute to the cause. Meanwhile, Kemp will be actively involved in the collections at Charing Cross Underground station.
In a show of solidarity, the IFS Cloud Cable Car will feature poppy-wrapped cabins for the first time this year. Additional poppy-themed decorations will appear on buses, trains, and platforms across the DLR, Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth Line, with poppy roundels displayed at select bus stations and piers throughout the city.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expressed pride in TfL’s ongoing support for the London Poppy Appeal, highlighting the importance of donations to assist the RBL in providing essential services for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
London Transport Commissioner Andy Lord reiterated TfL’s commitment to supporting the RBL, urging passengers to engage with the poppy tributes and reflect on the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
Lucy Inskip, Director of the Poppy Appeal, welcomed the 18th year of this important initiative, inviting the public to connect with military community members collecting at transport hubs. She emphasised that wearing a poppy signifies care for those who have served.
The London Poppy Appeal represents the largest street collection of its kind in the UK, manned by over 2,000 collectors and Armed Forces personnel. This year, past and present members of the London Transport Old Comrades will honour the memory of 4,500 transport staff who lost their lives in conflicts during the Remembrance Sunday Parade.
On Armistice Day, 11 November, London’s transport network will join the nation in silence at 11:00 to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Donations can be made contactlessly, ensuring vital support for veterans and their dependents in areas such as health recovery and financial advice.
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