A care home resident from Essex has been recognised for supporting Armed Forces veterans by selling poppies for 65 years.
Winsome Grimwood, 91, is a resident at Colne View in Dame Mary Walk, Halstead, and has been supporting the Royal British Legion for decades.
Winsome has now been hailed by the charity for her outstanding contribution to raising funds by selling the iconic red poppies.
Bob Cook, of the Royal British Legion, presented her with the award, joined by friends and fellow poppy collectors.
Her friend Janet Smith also received an award for 40 years of service, bringing their combined total to 105 years.
Winsome said: “I’m very proud to have received this award and the recognition for my years of collection for the Legion. I look forward to collecting for the Legion for as long as I possibly can.”
Winsome started selling poppies after her husband left the Royal Navy in 1952 with tuberculosis and received a pension thanks to the British Legion.
While the total amount of money Winsom has raised over the years is unknown, her remarkable efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Colne View manager Monica Boldeata said: “Winsome is a much-loved resident, and it was fantastic to see her recognised for her remarkable contributions to the poppy appeal.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating Winsome at our upcoming D-Day festival and giving our celebrity-in-waiting the special treatment she deserves. Well done, Winsome.”
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