82-year-old woman heralded after raising £1 million for Poppy Appeal

An 82-year-old from Consett has been commended for raising in excess of £1 million for the Poppy Appeal.

Vera Parnaby has been raising money for the cause for more than seven decades by selling poppies.

That tots up to over 75 years of dedication and Ms Parnaby is now known by the nickname 'Mrs. Poppy'.

She is now seen as a leading figure in the Poppy Appeal movement and earned the chairman's medal for her years of service in 2013.

Speaking on this year's appeal, Ms Parnaby said: “I know Covid has hit people in their pockets, but please remember the service personnel who have made sacrifices for us.

"We look after families and the injured with the money that we raise every year, and when someone leaves the armed forces, they can rely on the RBL to help them get into civilian life, and the more we raise the more we can help.

“In 2021 we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Legion and the 75th Anniversary of Consett Branch and I sincerely hope we can have some celebration as all of our work and major fundraising was put on hold due to COVID-19 last year.

"I caught Covid myself earlier this year but I am ready to take on the challenge of the Poppy Appeal once again.

“I have been involved with the Poppy Appeal since I was a child and I am still collecting and have been Poppy Appeal Organiser for Consett and District for the past 24 years and took over the neighbouring Castleside and District about 10 years ago.”