Kelly's heroes launch Scottish Poppy appeal

TV PRESENTER Lorraine Kelly yesterday joined wounded soldiers to launch this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal in Dundee.

The Poppyscotland Ambassador teamed up with Paul Lambert, Gary Jamieson and David Timmins, who have all been seriously injured by improvised explosive device (IED) explosions in Afghanistan, to call for the Scottish public to give as much as they can when buying their poppies this year.

Paul and David feature in a hard-hitting radio and TV advertising campaign to encourage the public to donate to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The theme is "Small things, big difference". Poppyscotland Chief Executive Ian McGregor said: "Buying and wearing a poppy may seem like a small, personal act of remembrance but the money that the public puts in the tins is life-changing for many of Scotland's ex-Servicemen and women, a disturbing number of whom return to civilian life with devastating injuries.

"They need to know they can rely on Poppyscotland to provide them with the support they desperately need."

Ms Kelly said the Scottish Poppy Appeal is a cause close to her heart. "I am extremely humbled to meet Paul, Gary and David, three brave and remarkable young men," she added.

"The sacrifices they have made are unimaginable for most people. Wearing a poppy may seem like a small act in return for what our Servicemen and women have done - and are continuing to do, but the money that we give really can make a big difference to help people.

"I will be wearing my poppy for Paul, Gary, David and the thousands of other brave men and women who have served and are still serving, and I hope that everyone in Scotland buys a poppy to show their support for our Armed Forces."

In 2009 the Scottish Poppy Appeal raised a record 2,215,745, an 8.3 per cent increase on the previous year.