£80k boost for old soldiers

PROUD . . . Trevor Warren (left) and Alan Noble pictured at the war memorial at Oldham Parish Church

TWO military men are celebrating after more than £81,000 of vital funds were raised to aid the armed forces community.

With the help of the borough's young people the Oldham branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) drummed up huge support through its annual poppy appeal.

Chairman of the Oldham branch Trevor Warren (72) and president Alan Noble (63) said they are thrilled with the campaign's success.

Trevor said: "Schools do a tremendous job in helping us raise this money. I would like to give thanks and praise to all our youth of Oldham who have willingly given their free time to support this worthy cause.

"I would especially like to thank the Oldham sea cadets, Oldham tank cadets and 2,200 air cadets for their hard work and dedication.

Rising

"We managed to raise £95,000 two years ago. It was £81,000 last year and this year it is £72,000 and still rising."

The Oldham branch also won the Norman Webster memorial shield for the sixth consecutive year.

The fundraising campaign is kickstarted every October during the period of remembrance and runs until the following September.

Trevor added: "The combined effort of all those involved enabled the Oldham branch to win the Norman Webster memorial shield, which is awarded to the branch which has collected the most money in the North-West.

Generosity
"I would like to thank all the people of Oldham for their kind generosity and last but not least all the members who work tirelessly in front and behind the scenes."

Alan and Trevor who met through the RBL have dedicated more than 20 years to serving members of the armed forces past and present.

They provide welfare and financial support to hundreds through Oldham's Liaison of Ex-Servicemen, their efforts often unknown to those they have helped.

Vice-president and grandad-of-four Trevor said: "We have found young'uns in dire straits who have nothing. We have helped and looked after ex-service people of all ages. We were able to fit an entire house out on one occasion.

Assistance

"If someone wants a bed we try and make sure that they are given one as soon as possible. They may come up short of the money. Sometimes we can help top it up."

Working closely with armed forces charity SAFFA the liaison has secured stair lifts and white goods such as replacement cookers for Oldham's ex-military. Chairman, secretary and trustee of the liaison Alan said: "Every case is different. We give assistance with finding accommodation and funeral costs although that is sadly being phased out.

"Often we have never seen them or do not know them. Many of them do not even know we have helped."

Support

Alan and Trevor signpost people to SAFFA and the Royal British Legion who are able to meet residents' physical needs.

The kind-hearted duo also support the homeless community in central Manchester, some of whom have mental health needs. Last year they also conducted 72 funerals for ex-servicemen and women.