Mum whose soldier son died in Afghanistan presented with Otley's first poppy

Now Shirley Ramsden has been presented with the first poppy, in memory of Lance Corporal David Ramsden, as the Otley branch of the Royal British Legion opened its annual Remembrance fundraising.

Lance Corporal Ramsden, 26, and three other soldiers were killed in the incident near Gereshk in Helmand province.. They were members of a police advisory team and were travelling as part of a two-vehicle convoy when their vehicle, rolled into the Nahr-e Bughra canal after being targeted.

The First Poppy — which marks the official start of the Legion’s local Poppy Appeal — was presented by the Mayor of Otley, Councillor Paul Carter, at the Buttercross in Market Place on October 24th.

An Otley Royal British Legion spokesperson said: “Today’s First Poppy is both a tribute and a commitment. We’re proud to launch Otley’s appeal alongside the National and Leeds District launches, and we will now mark this moment every year.

“Every poppy helps the Legion continue its vital work supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families.”

Mayor of Otley Coun Paul Carter said: “I am proud to have been asked to present the First Poppy to Shirley.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary year of VE and VJ Day commemorations, and the Royal British Legion is a cause close to my heart, which is why I have adopted the Otley branch as one of my mayoral charities. It felt right to do something special to recognise the occasion.”

The Otley Poppy Appeal team and volunteers will be out across the town in the coming days with collection tins and poppies available from shops, pubs, cafés and community venues. Residents who prefer to donate online can do so via the Royal British Legion’s website.