A fundraiser for The Poppy Appeal has warned the fundraising campaign may not be able to go ahead in Surrey this year, due to a lack of volunteers.

Peter Wakeham, East Surrey’s community fundraiser, has said the Royal British Legion’s Appeal is looking for volunteers to help order stock, distribute poppy boxes, liaise with businesses, recruit collectors, and record funds.

“In June 2019, we mark 75 years since the largest seaborne invasion the world has ever seen as we remember and commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day landings,” Mr Wakeham told the Comet.

“We will salute the bravery and sacrifice of all those who took part in liberating Europe. The RBL will show our veterans that the debt to them is never forgotten for the price they paid for the freedom and peace we now enjoy.

“My worry is unless we can find people to run the 2019 Poppy Appeal in the districts above there will be no poppies available to the public in our area.”

Volunteers are needed from areas including Ashtead, Betchworth and Buckland, Carshalton, Dittons and Hinchley Wood, Epsom and Ewell, Leatherhead, Wallington and Beddington, and Westcott.

The Poppy Appeal donations help support members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and veterans and their family.

Mr Wakeham described volunteering as “fun, worthwhile and above all rewarding”, and emphasised that volunteer organisers do not need to have a military connection.

The Royal British Legion provides information, advice and guidance to help the Armed Forces community find and access the support they need.

For further details, Peter Wakeham can be contacted at pwakeham@britishlegion.org.uk