Sophie Ellis Bextor Gives Backing to Veterans' Charity Appeal


Public asked to paint a poppy pebble to mark Remembrance Day

Sophie Ellis Bextor
Picture: Laura Lewis/Sophie Ellis Bextor

Chiswick based pop star Sophie Ellis has given her backing to a national poppy pebble painting initiative, led by the Forces Employment Charity.

She has joined a host of stars and influencers, including Anneka Rice and Sammy Winward, in calling on the public to show its support for Remembrance Day this year by backing the veterans’ charity’s appeal.

The Poppy Pebbles project invites schools, veterans and the public alike, to paint a poppy on a pebble and place it on a war memorial, or headstone of a veteran, as a way of commemorating Remembrance Day.

Those taking part are encouraged to undertake research into identifying and visiting local war graves in their area via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, finding out information about the veteran who was buried there.

A poppy pebble
A poppy pebble

Colin Back, National Manager of Project Nova at the Forces Employment Charity who devised the initiative says, “The Poppy Pebbles project initially started life as a mindfulness activity during lockdown for some of our more vulnerable veteran clients, who we support into employment.

"However, we found that the idea really struck a chord with the public more generally and now sees people taking part all over the country, from all walks of life, as their way of commemorating Remembrance. We are delighted that this year the Poppy Pebbles project has also captured the imagination of some famous faces too, who are helping us encourage more people than ever to get involved.”

For more information about the appeal visit www.forcesemployment.org.uk/poppypebbles.

 

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November 8, 2022