Cornwall Wreaths Travel to London on Poppies to Paddington Trains

Hundreds of poppy wreaths are being carried from Cornwall to London as part of this year’s Poppies to Paddington event. Now in its sixth year, the tribute began during the pandemic when people were unable to travel to mark Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day.

Cornwall Trust Joins the Journey

Three wreaths from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are among those making the journey to the capital. The first departed from Penzance on the Night Riviera Sleeper at 9.45pm on Monday 10th November, flanked by a guard of honour. Military personnel, members of The Veterans Charity, the Royal British Legion, and Penzance Sea Cadets were present at the station.

Jason Thomas, Lead Patient Safety Incident Investigator, served in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps. The retired Major described placing the first of the Trust’s wreaths on board as a privilege:

“For me, this time of year is not just about remembering those that gave their lives in the two world wars. It is also in sombre thought of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan. I often recall names and faces of those we lost on tour into my thoughts. I am mindful that as medical advances in the field of trauma resuscitation and treatment have seen us save lives that 30 years ago would have been lost, we have sons and daughters whose lives will have been forever changed. Leaving scars both physically and mentally that may not be healed.

“I am also mindful of the spouses, partners, and friends of those who have served. Without their love and support, many of us would not have been able to enjoy a fulfilling career in the armed forces. Every tour of a theatre of conflict I did, my wife did it with me. Keeping the home going. Getting the kids to school. Providing play and keeping them safe, happy, and on the right track. Our nearest and dearest wear their ‘medals’ on the inside.

“Service is a word that is perhaps over-used, but its true value and meaning not always fully recognised. There are several parallels between life in the armed forces and within the NHS family. Devotion to duty, selfless commitment, and courage. If you get the chance to speak to a veteran about their service, please do. You will no doubt be surprised, enlightened, and humbled by what you hear.”

📷Poppies at Penzance NHS and GWR

Wreaths Placed Across Cornwall

Each of the Trust’s three wreaths represents one of its adult community service areas: west, central, and north and east Cornwall. The remaining two wreaths were placed on Tuesday 11th November.

At Bodmin Parkway, Margaret Schwarz, Chair of the Trust, presented a wreath alongside NHS colleagues and members of the local community, including Mayor of Bodmin Councillor Liz Ahearn. Derek Coad, Chair of the Royal British Legion Bodmin branch, led a short service with a minute’s silence and the Last Post played by a single bugler.

Margaret said:

“These routes of remembrance are incredibly moving. It is an honour to place this wreath on Armistice Day, on behalf of the Trust and my many colleagues who have served.

“As Poppies to Paddington celebrates its sixth year, I am proud the Trust is celebrating being reaccredited as a Veteran Aware organisation. It marks our ongoing commitment to support the armed forces community, on this day and every day.”

The final wreath was placed at Liskeard by Matron Sharon Savigar, who served in Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service and described that as a “very proud” part of her life.

📷Poppies at Penzance Salute

Remembering Through Service

Neill Wilson, Progress Coordinator at Helston Community Hospital and Chair of the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Network, organised this year’s wreaths for both Poppies to Paddington and the Trust’s 10 community hospitals.

He said:

“Six years of Poppies to Paddington is an amazing thing. It is a way of the south west saying you are not forgotten. We still remember. To think some of these wreaths will end up outside the Cenotaph. I am so proud of everyone involved.

“There are so many members of the community who work for the Trust. It means a lot to them and their families that formally, as an NHS Trust, we are recognising that sacrifice that people have made.”

📷Poppies at Bodmin Margaret

Routes of Remembrance

Poppies to Paddington forms part of The Veterans Charity’s Routes of Remembrance, created in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR). The trains carry hundreds of wreaths to London, where they are laid at the Great Western Railway War Memorial on Platform 1 at Paddington Station.

Special remembrance services will follow to mark Armistice Day and Railway 200, a national event honouring the railway’s role during wartime.

📷Poppies at Liskeard Matron

📷Poppies at Penzance Group