A Wrexham volunteer is continuing her dad’s legacy with this year’s Poppy Appeal at a local supermarket.

Andrea Ellis started volunteering for the Royal British Legion (RBL) with her dad Jimmy Ellis, who ran the Poppy Appeal in Morrisons for many years.

Sadly, Jimmy, who had volunteered for 15 years and was “passionate” about the RBL, died following a stroke in 2022 at the age of 70.

The pair had taken over the role of being organisers five years ago and had seen the money raised go from £7,000 to £12,000 in that time.

Andrea had thought about not continuing with the appeal, however was convinced by her “fantastic group of volunteers” and this has now become something her family is involved with, including her sister Lorraine, brother-in-law Tim, and their two children.

She said: “When I lost my dad, it was a hard decision to carry on. It’s something I’ve only ever done with him.”

The Leader: Andrea and Jimmy Andrea and Jimmy (Image: Andrea Ellis)

She added: “It’s always going to be a charity that I am a custodian for. I think everything the RBL stands for is amazing. I was part of the eco-poppy panel when the new paper poppy was coming out so I’m really proud of the new paper poppy. It can be fully recycled so it’s really good.”

Andrea’s passion means that she even helps her Poppy Appeal manger all year round and is encouraging new volunteers. They have had the RAF cadets with them helping, and even the Queens Dragoon Guards.

This passion comes from Jimmy, who has served in the Royal Artillery in the 70s, coming out of the army aged 22 after the passing of his dad and needing to look after his mum and sister.

Jimmy’s artillery branch used to volunteer for the Poppy Appeal, according to Andrea, and this is how he got into it. Jimmy was also known for being dressed smart, in a blazer and tie during the appeal.

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She added that she hoped she was doing his memory justice, and also wants people wear a poppy not because they feel they have to, but because they understand what it stands for.

She said: “The slogan this year is ‘your poppy shows you care’ and it does! In Morrison’s I’m known as the Poppy Lady. All the kids come in and I’ve got colouring picture for them I’ve got all sort of stuff for the kids just so they understand, and they come and talk to me about it.

“If I can at least make that next generation understand what the Royal British Legion do, then I’m happy to be that person that teaches the kids that.”

This year’s Poppy Appeal also sees the new plastic-free poppy become available - the first redesign of the iconic symbol of Remembrance in a generation and is the latest in a series of designs since the poppy was first used to raise funds in 1921.

You can donate to the RBL by visiting the RBL’s website: www.rbl.org.uk