Avanti West Coast joins the Royal British Legion to build poppy wreath for Remembrance

• Unique tribute sees wreath decorated with posies of poppies during train journey
• Initiative brings veterans and Royal British Legion supporters together along the West Coast to honour fallen
• Poppy wreath laid at London Euston station ahead of Remembrance Day

Avanti West Coast has joined the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to create and transport a poppy wreath to London Euston as part of a unique tribute ahead of Remembrance Day.

The poignant initiative, which was developed by East Cheshire Poppy Appeal and the intercity operator, saw veterans as well as volunteers build a wreath from poppies while it made its journey from Glasgow to London by train.

It was designed to highlight the railway’s connection to the military and encourage donations to the Poppy Appeal, which provide vital support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

Veterans who work for Avanti West Coast joined Royal British Legion (RBL) supporters at 15 railway stations along the route to greet the train and present posies of poppies as it travelled from Scotland to the capital.

The plain wreath began its journey at Glasgow Central where Avanti West Coast employees decorated it with its first tribute before it departed at 8:00am – with a bagpiper sending off the Pendolino service from the platform. 

Travelling in a carriage decorated with poppies – the symbol of Remembrance – representatives from the RBL’s Poppy Appeal, who have been fundraising on the west coast, helped deliver the tribute to stations – where posies were added.

At London Euston a welcome party greeted the train before the wreath - representing tributes from colleagues and RBL supporters along the West Coast Main Line - was carried to the station’s memorial as part of a procession.

It was then laid as part of a small service hosted by Network Rail – marking the beginning of the station’s Remembrance events.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “The railway has a long connection with the Armed Forces and we’re pleased to have recognised this by joining the Royal British Legion and Network Rail for this special initiative that has brought people local to the West Coast Main Line together.

“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of our employees, including Armed Forces personnel past and present, to support communities and veterans to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served, while raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.”

Vicky Lawson, Poppy Appeal Manager for East Cheshire, said: “This event was a poignant moment just ahead of Remembrance Sunday. We enjoyed meeting veterans and Royal British Legion supporters along the way to hear what it means to them to see people wearing their poppies at this time of year.

“The theme of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year explores the mental scars that can be left for some from their experiences in military service. The mental health needs of the Armed Forces community are complex, but the Poppy Appeal helps the RBL to continue its vital work.

“We are very grateful to Avanti West Coast and Network Rail for their support and for enabling us to bring our community together at this important time of the year.”

Gary Walsh, Director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “We’re really proud to support the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal at London Euston station which helps to provide vital support to our veterans and their families.

“Connecting communities is at the heart of what we do on the West Coast Main Line, so welcoming the RBL, our partners at Avanti West Coast and wider railway family at Euston for today’s special event has been a great honour.”

ENDS