Poppy Appeal launches plastic free poppies in Oxfordshire

The new poppy is the first redesign of the Remembrance symbol in a generation and the latest in a series of designs since the poppy was first introduced to raise funds in 1921.

Poppy Appeal calls for the public to 'wear a poppy and show you care' every year for the Armed Forces community to raise funds to support veterans, serving personnel and their families all year round.

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Veteran and Invictus competitor Lynsey Kelly was one of the first to wear the new poppy and she said: "I love the new plastic-free version, but while the poppies have changed, the meaning stays the same.

"The poppy means so much to me as it represents the support I received and shows the Armed Forces that I care, and that the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community will never be forgotten."

Ms Kelly joined the Royal Air Force in 2001 as a logistician under No.1 Air Mobility Wing.

Her role involved deploying aircraft around the world and completed tours of Iraq, Cyprus, Oman and Qatar.

In 2006 she began experiencing problems with the muscles in her legs, however, and was later diagnosed with Bilateral Anterior Compartment Syndrome.

This led to chronic pain and physical limitations which had 'a profound effect on her mental health' leading to her being medically discharged from service in 2010.

Ms Kelly was one of the first to wear the new plastic-free poppy. (Image: Royal British Legion.)

Ms Kelly was surprised to see the positive impact that sport played on her recovery and she subsequently took part in this year's Invictus Games in Dusseldorf.

The Royal British Legion's poppy manufacturing HQ will be operating at full capacity to produce 170,000 poppies every day to satisfy public demand.

It had worked with scientists at University College London to assess the environmental impact of the new poppy and ensure its sustainability.

Analysis revealed that the new poppy would reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent compared with the traditional poppy.

While the red poppy remains popular, some choose not to wear it as they believe it has become too political and that there is too much pressure put on individuals to do so.

Director of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Andy Taylor-Whyte, said: "We want to encourage as many people as possible to get a poppy this year and show their gratitude and support to those in the Armed Forces whose service and sacrifice should never be forgotten. 

“Since the first Poppy Appeal in 1921 to today, public donations have provided a lifeline for service people and their families, and last year, we helped more than 27,000 people in the Armed Forces community.

“As a veteran myself, I am grateful to the public for giving what they can to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal this year."