Poppy award for volunteer Jenny

Mon 22nd February 2010 3.18PM

THE Royal British Legion has paid tribute to the work of young volunteer Jenny Haselwood with an Award in recognition of her invaluable contribution during their 2009 Poppy Appeal. Jenny, 17, from Furness Vale, showed her ‘selflessness in putting others first’ – one of the values of the Royal British Legion – and is also the first young person to volunteer at the Whaley Bridge branch. Furthermore, she was instrumental in helping the branch to more than double their previous year’s collection to over £6,000 – the highest amount raised in the area.

John Baker, Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Whaley Bridge, presented the Award to Jenny as a surprise at the end of one of her lessons at Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College and hopes that more young people will come forward as volunteers. He said: “We have always wanted to recruit more young people to be involved in the Poppy Appeal as many of our members do tend to be older. We were instantly impressed by Jenny’s determination to support us and, more importantly, the fact that she was willing to give her time so freely.” Jenny’s interest in the work of the Royal British Legion began at an early age and has been encouraged by her mother. Jenny said: “My mum has always encouraged me to have an interest in the work of the Royal British Legion and from a very early age we have always attended the Remembrance Day services at Disley.” “To me, the Poppy Appeal is so important because not only is it the best known and well supported campaign in the calendar, but there is so little time available to collect as much money as possible.

“I feel exceptionally proud and very privileged to have been given this Award and if it encourages other young people to become involved, then it enables us to be able to collect when other members may have work commitments.