Hinckley poppy appeal organiser Elaine Ward to be honoured at Royal Albert Hall

A Hinckley woman who has dedicated more than 50 years to supporting the Royal British Legion and raising money for the Poppy Appeal is to be honoured at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, in front of King Charles.

Elaine Ward began her fundraising journey at just 11 years old, when her veteran father asked her to help sell poppies at a local flower show.

More than five decades later, she is estimated to have raised over £750,000 through her work as a poppy seller.

For the past 15 years, Elaine has been the Poppy Appeal Organiser for Hinckley and District, working alongside a team of volunteers and her deputy, Jim Buck.

Her dedication extends well beyond the annual appeal. Throughout the year, she supports events including Proms in the Park, the Ride of 1000 Bikes, Armed Forces Day and Battle of Britain memorial services.

Elaine has also played an important role in remembrance events and commemorations, helping to ensure the sacrifices of service personnel are remembered by future generations.

Her work has included events marking the centenary of Hinckley War Memorial, the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict and the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, as well as commemorations marking VE and VJ Day.

She has also helped educate children about remembrance through discussions and visits to local schools and Guides groups.

Among the events supported by Elaine and the Hinckley Branch of the Royal British Legion was an international commemoration marking the 82nd anniversary of the 82nd Airborne Division, which was based in Hinckley during the Second World War. The event honoured three servicemen who died in the town in 1944.

For the past three years, Elaine has also helped launch the Poppy Appeal at the Triumph Motorcycle Experience on Normandy Way, Hinckley, with strong support from the veteran motorcycling community.

Her contribution was recognised three years ago by the Leicestershire Poppy Appeal at the Britannia Centre in Hinckley.

Now, Elaine is set to receive further recognition for her extraordinary commitment. She will be honoured at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside other poppy sellers from across the UK, in front of His Majesty King Charles III.

The Hinckley Branch of the Royal British Legion has expressed its deepest thanks to Elaine for more than 50 years of service, recognising her dedication to fundraising, remembrance and the local community.

Her story began with a simple request from her father. More than half a century later, that first day of poppy selling has become a remarkable lifelong commitment to honouring those who served and sacrificed for their country.