'It gives me a sense of purpose': Eastbourne veteran sells more than 3,000 poppies
and live on Freeview channel 276
Kevin Pollard, who is the standard-bearer for the Eastbourne branch of the Royal British Legion, has been running a stall in The Beacon between Pandora and W.Bruford.
The army veteran, who served for more than 23 years, said: “When I left I was a bit lost, so I got in contact with the Royal British Legion branch here in Eastbourne and at the time the chairman was also the standard-bearer and he was asking if I would be interested. I said I would definitely do it because I like all the pomp and the ceremonial (duties) that come with it.”
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Hide AdThe Royal British Legion volunteer also praised the work of the charity which supports veterans and those who are still serving.
Mr Pollard said: “I think it is very important. You have got to look after your ex-forces. Many of them nowadays are really old, I am only 54 myself. I have got PTSD, I was medically discharged. The Royal British Legion, it has helped doing what I do as the standard-bearer. It gives me a sense of purpose, otherwise I would just be at home twiddling my thumbs.”
With the Eastbourne branch aiming to raise £100,000 this year, residents have been showing their support.
Mr Pollard, who has also been doing remembrance presentations at Willingdon Community School, added: “It has been brilliant. It’s always the same, everyone is quite happy to come here and look at what we have got, donate what they can. We don’t ask for a set amount, we just say any donation will do.”
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Hide AdMr Pollard, who was wearing his grandad’s medals while at the stall, added: “It is really important. I am going to say this and it is true, every person has a relative of some type that has served - anywhere in the world. My grandad was in the First World War and my dad served in the merchant navy in the Second World War.”