A London Ambulance Service worker has raised nearly £5,700 for the Royal British Legion over the past year, as ambulance workers launch fundraising efforts for this year’s Poppy Appeal.
André N Elbourne- Le Brun, an emergency resource dispatcher, coordinates fundraising for the Royal British Legion (RBL) and presented the organisation with a ceremonial cheque.
André raises money by selling a special poppy badge to his staff and volunteer colleagues. He took over from former colleague Lee Davies, who first designed and started to sell poppy badges to colleagues in 2009. Lee was inspired to create a badge, as traditional poppies could get damaged or lost during a busy shift.
Reflecting on last year’s achievements, André said: “Even during a worldwide pandemic, a challenging period of our LAS history, the staff delivered and supported a cause that’s dear to many.
“For me, my step father, a Jersey farmer’s boy, joined the RAF and flew during the Battle of Britain. Whilst he never needed the support of the RBL, this cause is dear to me, because of his service and sacrifice. I’m simply doing my little bit to help those who serve. It is and will always be the least I can do.”
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After presenting the cheque, LAS Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles said: “The work that André has done over the past year has been fantastic, and we know that all of our London Ambulance Service staff and volunteers are extremely proud to wear the poppy badges to pay our respects to all our armed forces colleagues, past and present.
“I am very proud of this achievement, and would like to thank André and everyone who has supported this cause, and has helped to sell poppy badges across the capital.”