Stourbridge poppy appeal raises record £37,500 for armed forces charity

Organiser Suzanne Webb said the 2025 appeal, launched at the end of October, had raised an extra £5,000 over the previous year's appeal.

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All proceeds from the two-week fundraising campaign go to the Royal British Legion, and its work for armed forces veterans and their families.

Former MP Miss Webb, who took on the voluntary role last year, said she was thrilled with the result.

"It just shows the generosity of everyone and the dedication of all the volunteers who got involved, making it something very special in a year that marked the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Days," she said.

"I can't thank everyone enough. This record-breaking year is something we should all feel immensely proud of as a community." 

More than 170 poppy appeal boxes and tins were packed, labelled, and distributed by volunteers to schools, pubs, and shops. 

There were also dedicated stands in The Ryemarket and at Tesco for the two weeks, with pop-up stands at Stourbridge Rugby Club, The Bonded Warehouse, and the Friends of Wollescote Park sensory garden.

Miss Webb said it was a community-led appeal, with schools, pubs, and shops getting involved, and Crafting for Communities and many volunteers knitting and crocheting poppies. 

She also thanked Stourbridge Football Club and Jim McComish, who designed a special poppy pin badge, which raised £800.00 for the appeal. She also praised the Friends of Wollescote Park for holding a Remembrance-themed pop-up café.

Miss Webb added that the annual military vehicle parade, organised by Dave Spruce, raised £4,534.99, the third year running the event had supported the appeal.

"It was quite something to see how much was raised on the day of the parade, with the cadets from Old Swinford Hospital and the Army Cadet Force from the Stourbridge Platoon volunteering their time," she said.

Miss Webb thanked everyone who donated to the appeal, including the Army Reservist Centre, Parkfield Grange Care Home, H Porter and Sons funeral directors, Pinnacle Support, Friends of Wollescote Park, Stourbridge Rugby Club, Stourbridge Football Club, Rotary Club, Crafting for Communities, Specsavers, The Ryemarket, Tesco and BYD Stourbridge.

Miss Webb said preparations for the 2026 appeal has already begun, and urged volunteers to come forward by emailing her  at rblpoppyappealstourbridge@gmail.com