EDF Energy London Eye hosts a picnic with a difference

Guests were welcomed on board the ‘Poppy Capsule’ to enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of London.

As part of the campaign, the charity is urging friends, families and colleagues to hold picnics throughout the summer, to celebrate our Armed Forces community and raise money for the Legion’s vital work.

Anthony Clayden – a veteran and Legion beneficiary – and his family attended the launch and shared a picnic with guests to help raise awareness of the charity and how it can help members of the Armed Forces community in need.

Anthony, who sustained a number of injuries during his time serving in the Household Cavalry and received help from the Legion in the form of aid with house removal, food and new appliance cost, said: “The Royal British Legion gave me help you can’t put a price on. If it wasn’t for them my partner and I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy Christmas together in our new home. When they invited me to help launch Poppy Picnics I jumped at the chance.

“I hope the public follow our example and hold their own Poppy Picnics. It’s not just an opportunity to say thank you to the Armed Forces, but a great way to raise a bit of money for the Legion too. Veterans like myself rely on their support.”

The picnic was also attended by Major Crispin Swayne and Private Gaspari Nana. Major Swayne commissioned into the Blues and Royals in 1985, left in 1994 and joined the Army Reserve in 2008 where he is now Second-in-Command for the London Regiment. Private Nana joined the Army Reserve as a trained Infantryman in A (London Scottish) Company of the London Regiment in 2008.

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Charles Byrne said: “You can bake, play games or offer prizes in exchange for a small contribution to donate to the Legion’s vital work. Even the smallest amount will make a real difference.

“Armed Forces families are a key focus for the Legion this year. We spend £1.4 million each week providing wide ranging, and practical support to members of the Armed Forces community in need, including crisis grants, family breaks, and benefits and money advice.”

Stephanie Francis, spokesperson for the EDF Energy London Eye said: “We were delighted to welcome the Royal British Legion to the London Eye to launch their Poppy Picnic campaign 135 metres above our capital city – it really is a great cause.”

Anyone can organise a Poppy Picnic – friends, family or colleagues. Free Poppy Picnic packs are available online from www.poppypicnic.org.uk so register, get some ideas and order a pack today. The Poppy Picnic packs are also available from Iceland stores so pick one up today to start planning your event.

Poppy Picnic launched in 2013, with over a 1000 picnics held across the country at venues including The Royal Courts of Justice and The Old Vic theatre.