Northampton veteran celebrating 50 years of being a poppy seller has helped to raise £81,000 for the Royal British Legion

Fred Barrick, of Duston, is celebrating his 50th year as a poppy seller and has sacrificed his holiday to Great Yarmouth so he could help to raise money for the poppy appeal this year.

Mr Barrick, president of the Duston and District Royal British Legion, was a Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer in the British Army and served for two years.

The 86-year-old poppy seller told the Chronicle & Echo that he gets to the Sainsbury’s petrol garage on Weedon Road for 8am every morning for the two weeks prior to Armistice Day.

He said: “I went to Headley Court (the defence medical rehabilitation centre) and it’s sad to see soldiers in there with one leg. That’s why I raise money. Armistice Day is a dedicated day for supporting veterans.

“Last year with help from Sainsbury’s I helped to raise more than £27,500.”

On Monday, November 7 the Weedon Road Sainsbury’s branch is hosting afternoon tea in the cafe to say thank you to the Duston and District veterans and local collectors.

Poppy Appeal organiser Darrin Stevens said: “Fred lost his wife last year and this gives him some purpose. He is a very proud man and he needs to feel that he is useful and has something to offer. As poppy appeal organiser (PAO) for the Duston and District branch, I am very proud to be working with Fred and all the other volunteers to raise funds for all service people.

“Fred is an inspiration because he gets out of bed in the mornings and is willing to do what needs to be done. He is a genuinley nice guy.”

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