Britain’s biggest aircraft carrier was transformed into a racetrack with a difference today as Poppyscotland launched its latest fundraising challenge. The Big Poppy Bounce aims to raise thousands of pounds to help veterans bounce back into civilian life at events in Edinburgh and across Scotland in the build up to Armed Forces Day in June.
Naval Officers and crew from HMS Prince of Wales, together with members of the Babcock engineering team, are working around the clock to put the finishing touches to the Royal Navy’s new 65,000 tonne flagship, but took time out to race the 280 meters along the flight deck in aid of Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity.
The Big Poppy Bounce is a sponsored space-hopper challenge for all the family. A series of races will take place in Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park on Saturday 15th June, as well anywhere else in the country where supporters choose to organise and run their own bounce. It is one of Poppyscotland’s newest events, highlighting the charity’s desire to fundraise throughout the year and not just around the traditional Appeal period in November.
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, Gordon Michie, said:
“Armed Forces Day takes place in June, and this is a chance for the public to get behind our brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. Poppyscotland exists to support those who have served, those still serving and their families and the Big Poppy Bounce will help our veterans bounce back into civilian life. We are encouraging families, youth groups, schools and friends across Scotland to join us at Inverleith Park on 15th June or to organise their own Big Poppy Bounce event during the month of June.
“We can provide some space hoppers and then it’s up you as to how you want to bounce. For example, you could have a bounce race over 100 metres, or challenge people to guess how many bounces you can rack up in five or even ten minutes. You can hold your event at your school, your work or your local hall – or you could try something more adventurous like we’ve done today… but just make sure you don’t bounce overboard!”
For more information, or to sign up for The Big Poppy Bounce, please visit the Poppyscotland website at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/bounce, or email events@poppyscotland.org.uk.
Mr Michie added:
“The Big Poppy Bounce is one of a growing number of fundraising activities outwith the Poppy Appeal. Our Armed Forces community needs our support 365 day a year; they cannot wait until November for us to help, so it is important that we continue to fundraise throughout the year. Every penny you raise will make a huge difference to veterans who urgently need our help.”
Notes to Editors
For further information and all media enquiries, please contact David A. Findlay, PR Manager at Poppyscotland, on 079797 35611, or email at d.findlay@poppyscotland.org.uk.
For more information, or to sign up for The Big Poppy Bounce, please visit the Poppyscotland website at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/bounce, or email events@poppyscotland.org.uk.
Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite. Please note that we are known as “Poppyscotland”, and not “PoppyScotland” or “Poppy Scotland”. For more information, please visit us at: www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
For information on the HMS Prince of Wales, please visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/princeofwales.
