MEMBERS of The Royal British Legion have been left astounded after its annual Poppy Appeal raised a record amount of money in one supermarket.
And those associated with the Stalybridge and Dukinfield branch gleefully gave staff at Tesco more than 15,000 reasons to be proud.
The store in the centre of Stalybridge was once again a focal point for fundraising as the nation remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
With the cist of living crisis showing no signs of abating, there was an excuse for not hitting the heights of previous years.
Well, they did – and went way past them. In total, a huge £15,181,24 was raised.
Stalybridge veteran Ray Medcalf, who saw service in the army in the first Gulf War, and civilian member John Rees delivered the good news.
“When we learned the final total, we were amazed,” said John. “Honestly, we thought it would be about £12,000.
“It’s the highest ever total raised at Tesco. We’ve never raised this much ever.
“It’s always been very good but this year it has excelled itself – even though you never really know how you’re doing during the appeal.
“And this money can help veterans locally. The secretary of our branch can apply to the Royal British Legion for assistance should it be required.”
Ray, who also served in what was then a divided Berlin and saw the wall come down, also highlighted how technology may have helped contribute to the record haul, which was marked with a presentation to ecstatic, if surprised, customer service staff.
He said: “We now have the facility to pay by card. That made a big difference to us.
“The money, like collections around the country, goes to The Royal British Legion and they distribute it wherever it’s needed.
“The amount is fantastic. It was just two of us sat at a desk selling poppies!”