£36k raised for Poppy Appeal: '˜Yet again the people of Lurgan have broken all previous records'

Members of Lurgan & Brownlow Royal British Legion held their annual Poppy Appeal church service at St John's Parish Church on September 9.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Oct 2016, 07:30 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 19:14 BST
George McNally, Roberta McNally and Jamie McNally completed the gruelling Hell and Back challenge as part of their fundraising effort.George McNally, Roberta McNally and Jamie McNally completed the gruelling Hell and Back challenge as part of their fundraising effort.
George McNally, Roberta McNally and Jamie McNally completed the gruelling Hell and Back challenge as part of their fundraising effort.

The church was full to capacity for the service, which was attended by RBL officials and supporters, as well as local political and community representatives.

Each year the Royal British Legion embarks on its endeavour to raise millions of pounds to help the Armed Forces community by selling poppies. And the local Legion has once again played its part in making the annual fundraiser a huge success.

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Poppy Appeal Organiser and Branch Chairman, Roberta McNally is always humbled by the generosity of the people of the greater Lurgan area.

Sadie Murray, Maureen Swift and Patricia Follis at the coffee morning in support of the Poppy Appeal.Sadie Murray, Maureen Swift and Patricia Follis at the coffee morning in support of the Poppy Appeal.
Sadie Murray, Maureen Swift and Patricia Follis at the coffee morning in support of the Poppy Appeal.

“Yet again the people of greater Lurgan have broken all previous records by donating £36,492.36, which per head of population is up there with the best regions,” she commented.

“Every year we try to come up with new initiatives to add to the tried and tested ones, and every year the public support is overwhelming.

“This year myself, my husband and my son completed the ‘Hell and Back’ challenge, raising over £900. We also held a marathon spinning bike and cross trainer event outside the RBL and this raised £580.

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“We have some new people on board the team, one of whom, Amanda Thompson, made and sold display frames which so far have raised £230, with more to come.

Pictured at the church service are Carla Lockhart MLA, Roberta McNally (Lurgan & Brownlow RBL Chairman), Cllr Paul Greenfield (Deputy Lord Mayor) and George Black (NI RBL Chairman).Pictured at the church service are Carla Lockhart MLA, Roberta McNally (Lurgan & Brownlow RBL Chairman), Cllr Paul Greenfield (Deputy Lord Mayor) and George Black (NI RBL Chairman).
Pictured at the church service are Carla Lockhart MLA, Roberta McNally (Lurgan & Brownlow RBL Chairman), Cllr Paul Greenfield (Deputy Lord Mayor) and George Black (NI RBL Chairman).

“Our annual 70s disco is always very popular and this year raised £400. Another annual event, our coffee morning, this year netted £320.”

Roberta added: “I would like to thank all the schools, churches, sports groups, bands, Somme Association, Lurgan Golf Club, Loyal Orders, youth groups, Mechanics Institute, local businesses and not forgetting the hearty band of collectors who went out in all weathers to help us achieve our total. Last but not least, a massive thank you to the general public who year on year show their support for our Armed Forces by digging deep - your contribution is very much appreciated.”

Related topics:Armed Forces