TELLY hardman Ross Kemp has toasted the Poppy Appeal with a Falklands veteran.
Former Royal Marine Colin Waite has created glasses which picture poppies blooming on the rugged Falklands landscape where he twice came within inches of death in a minute during the war against Argentina in 1982.
Look out for his special glasses for the 2025 poppy appeal on sale in 1,000 UK pubs from Sunday, Nov 2 until November 11.
Last year sales of poppy glasses in Marstons’ boozers raised more than £94,000 for the Poppy Appeal, which helps military veterans and their families rebuild lives shattered by combat.
Over the years Colin, 65, of North Shields, who has suffered from severe PTSD since leaving the Marines in 1984, has been helped by the RBL.
He revealed his new limited-edition design to EastEnders’ star Ross in the bar of the Oakingham Belle pub in Wokingham, Berks, to launch the Raise A Glass campaign.
READ MORE ON THE POPPY APPEAL
Ross, a Royal British Legion ambassador, said: “It was an honour to be with Colin when he saw his designs on the glasses for the very first time.
“I want to encourage as many people as possible to raise a glass to thank our veterans this November. For me, this campaign is personal – my family has been supported by the Royal British Legion, and I know how much their work means to so many.
“Every glass sold helps ensure that veterans, serving personnel, and their families get the support they deserve.”
Poppy pint glasses, costing £3 and a £2.50 for half-pint are on sale in 1,000 Marstons’ pubs.
Proceeds go to the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal which aims to raise more than £51million to help nearly 25,000 veterans a year with problems including health, money or housing.
Following a major breakdown in 2013, ex-Marine Colin rediscovered his love of art, which gave him a new lease of life.
He said: “The RBL has provided lots of practical support to me including a rise and recline chair, and they’ve also assisted with carpets and furniture. They’ve been brilliant with me.”
- You can also donate by visiting rbl.org.uk/thesun or by buying a poppy from one of the 50,000 volunteer sellers around the country and wearing it with pride.
