Students Smash Target in Impressive £16.5k Poppy Appeal Effort

A Record-Breaking Remembrance for Duchy College

Military and Protective Services students at Duchy College Stoke Climsland have raised £16,652.90 for the Callington and District Royal British Legion during this year’s Remembrance period, far exceeding their £10,000 target.

The Ofsted Outstanding College marked the occasion with a well-attended Act of Remembrance on 11th November. Hosted by MaPS NCFE learners, the event brought together staff, students and many parents and relatives. Representatives and the Standard Bearer from the Callington and District Royal British Legion joined the service, supported by buglers from the Light Infantry and Rifles Association who sounded the Last Post.

Jon Stone, Senior Study Programme Manager at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, said:
“Seeing our learners reach more than £16,500 for the Royal British Legion says a lot about their character.”
“Their drill, commitment and respect during the Act of Remembrance were outstanding, and the response from the community has been remarkable.”

Community Support and Remarkable Fundraising

As recognition for his work on the Poppy Appeal, Jon was invited to the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph.

Learners also played a major role in the wider Poppy Appeal. They organised, coordinated, distributed and collected Poppy Appeal materials across the district and supported the collection rota at Callington Tesco, with several students giving up much of their half term to assist local veterans.

Various fundraising activities contributed to the final total. The bake sale raised £485 and the raffle added £520. Cash sponsorship linked to the Poppy Run contributed £2,220. The Poppy Run’s JustGiving page has raised £12,036, supported by £2,397 in Gift Aid. The Royal British Legion provided branded T shirts and medals for all participants.

The Poppy Run Push

Students completed their annual Poppy Run after the College’s Act of Remembrance, running a one mile loop as many times as possible in two and a half hours. Some increased the challenge by carrying extra weight or wearing military kit such as around 20kg of osprey body armour.

Their contribution forms part of a record-breaking year for the Callington and District Poppy Appeal, which has already raised more than £35,000, surpassing last year’s district record of £26,800.

All funds raised will support the Royal British Legion’s work with serving and ex serving personnel and their families.

Donations remain open at the Duchy Students JustGiving page