The Royal British Legion's Assistant Director of Operations has issued a heartfelt plea for people to back this year's Poppy Appeal – the first back on the streets since Covid hit.

Nicola Cook, who lives in Sandbach, says every poppy counts this year as the organisation celebrates its 100th anniversary and makes a triumphant effort to make up for lost revenue after it was "hit hard" due to the pandemic.

And she said the charity has seen a jump in the numbers of veterans asking for help due mental health issues, drugs or alcohol related problems or "street homeless".

She is urging people to think of the help which money raised from the appeal provides as the Royal British Legion welcomes back collectors on the streets later this week.

Nicola said: "This year's 2021 Poppy Appeal is especially important as the charity celebrates its centenary, marking 100 years of Remembrance and providing help to veterans and their families who need a helping hand.

Married to a former army captain Nicola is in charge of all the RBL welfare teams who provide support in the UK and overseas to 40,000 veterans every year.

Nicola, who stood as a candidate for the Town Ward in the recent Sandbach Town Council elections, told Nub News that she sees the difference her teams make every day to the lives of veterans and their families.

She said: "Whether it is buying school uniforms for children whose family have fallen on hard times, providing rent and accommodation to veterans who are homeless or providing employment grants to those who need help finding a job, the Royal British Legion will always be

there.

"We are there for those who have served our country and the families who have supported them.

"Last year, 2020, was the first year in the Legion's 100 year history that volunteer collectors were not on the streets and in supermarkets across the country collecting vital donations for the charity.

"2020 hit us hard," said Nicola. "Even during the Second World War we had collectors out there raising money.

"We also saw an increase in veterans asking for help who had mental health concerns, drug or alcohol problems or were street homeless.

"Every Poppy really will count this year if we are going to make a difference to all those who ask for a helping hand."

Nicola will have the privilege of attending the Festival of Remembrance in London this year in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and the wider Royal family.this year.

Nicola praised the Sandbach branch of the RBL who are holding their Poppy Ball this weekend.

She said: "I am hugely proud of all that Sandbach do to support the appeal and I really hope we will have their support more than ever this year."