MALVERN’S MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the efforts of a local veteran who has swapped poppy selling for painting to raise funds for military charities.
John Mason, who lives in Powick, has been a record-breaking poppy seller for many years, collecting thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion and this year he has turned to art to help raise fund for the important national charities.
Last year, he hit the headlines selling poppies on the roadside to motorists who were delayed in heavy traffic.
And this year, he has turned to art selling prints of one of his pictures to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal and the Royal Air Force Wings Appeal.
The MP visited John to see his print and help to give his efforts a final push as he gets close to his £3,000 target.
“John’s enthusiastic fund-raising is well known locally and he always goes the extra mile to collect donations for these two important military charities.
“Poppy sellers have had to face significant extra challenges with the onset of coronavirus meaning that traditional fund-raising has been difficult.
“This year, we’ve had to do our Remembrance Sunday activities in a very different way, but that hasn’t stopped poppy sellers like John from continuing to raise money and mark this important annual event.
“John recruited me to help give this year’s campaign a final push and I hope he beats his target before we all mark the Armistice on Wednesday,” she added.
