Students commemorated Remembrance Day in Hackney by selling poppies outside their school gate.
Hackney New School pupils spent Remembrance Day on November 11 selling poppies to raise money for The Royal British Legion, a charity which supports the armed forces community.
Melody Sharpe-Wick, 13, said: “I was inspired to get involved by my step dad who was in the army.
“The badges he got are badges of honour because he was fighting to defend his country, not just himself.”
The Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal has had to adapt this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making the work of fundraisers like Melody all the more important.
After announcing they would be selling poppies outside the school, students said they were met by a long queue of customers, including many students and teachers.
They had to restock several times and in total sold about four full boxes.
READ MORE: Remembrance Day: Hundreds turn out in Hackney to remember the fallen
Hackney New School pupil Alair Agard, 13, said it is thanks to good teamwork the students “sold loads”: “My uncle is in the army but he hasn’t been posted yet.
“Wearing a poppy is important because it helps people remember all the soldiers who have fought for their country and people who have died and been caught up in wars.
“It’s my ambition to join the army one day.”
Students at the school also honoured fallen soldiers throughout history and the world with assemblies and focused lessons.
Headteacher Charlotte Whelan said: “This is a school which will today, tomorrow and always remember those who served, fought and died for this country.
“It was more poignant this year as students know first hand how it feels to have separation from family and friends and how to make sacrifices for the greater good.”
Remembrance Day is a memorial day, observed since the end of World War One, to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.
To donate The Royal British Legion here.
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