Royal Marines abseil to launch Poppy Appeal

Royal Marines have abseiled into a shopping centre to launch this year's Poppy Appeal.

Shoppers watched as the marines climbed down from the roof inside Westquay shopping centre in Southampton.

Allen Parton, a disabled Royal Navy veteran who attended the launch, said the Poppy Appeal had helped him get his first wheelchair.

The Royal British Legion charity said it hoped to raise more than £50m this year to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Allen Parton, who was injured in the Gulf War, said: "The poppy appeal has been with me through my whole journey, from when I was injured in '91, to supporting my family helping us get rehoused.

"And though we haven't needed the help since '91, they've been there, and knowing they're there really matters."

"Seeing everyone wearing their poppy reminds me that we're not forgotten, and people do care. That's the most powerful message I can receive."

Nathan Fuller, a senior manager of the appeal, said this year The Royal British Legion wanted to highlight the ways in which the families of serving personnel were affected.

"They're at home dealing with situations like their parents being away, or missing Christmas, or missing their child's first day at school," he said.

"It's almost like the family are wearing an invisible uniform."

The charity aims to raise more than £50m this year.

"We're there to support the armed forced community from day one of service right through to old age - not just those serving but their families as well," Fuller said.

"It's really important to demonstrate to the public the breadth of the support that The Royal British Legion provides through the donations the public give."