A County Durham fundraiser who in her lifetime has raised over £1m for the Royal British Legion has launched this year's Poppy Appeal at a remembrance event.

Vera Parnaby, 81, has today (October 29) launched the 2023 Poppy Appeal at Christ Church in Parliament Square, Consett, after 75 years of fundraising for the charity herself.

Best known around Durham as “Mrs Poppy”, Vera first got involved with the charity as a girl in 1946 when she and her family were invited to a Christmas party by Consett British Legion following the death of her father in the war, in 1942.

The Northern Echo: Vera Parnaby.Vera Parnaby. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

It was at this party that the others of the children attending decided to form Consett British Legion Women’s section – something Vera would work passionately for later in her life.

Now, after her years fundraising for charity, Vera has launched the 2023 appeal followed by a service in Consett.

Joined by North West Durham MP Richard Holden, the pair and armed forces representatives laid wreaths outside the church and listened to a musical performance.

The Northern Echo: Vera Parnaby and North West Durham MP Richard Holden.Vera Parnaby and North West Durham MP Richard Holden. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

“I have known Vera since before I was elected, and she has just been an absolute trooper when it comes to not just raising funds but highlighting how important remembrance is,” Mr Holden said.

He added: “Vera has been involved in so many different charities over the years, from the scouts to the church and British Legion.

“She continues to raise money and today, very kindly launched the poppy appeal with me.”

The Northern Echo: Vera Parnaby and North West Durham MP Richard Holden.Vera Parnaby and North West Durham MP Richard Holden. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The Northern Echo: Vera Parnaby and North West Durham MP Richard Holden at the service.Vera Parnaby and North West Durham MP Richard Holden at the service. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

“I know how important it is in Consett and right across the towns and villages of Durham how much reverence there is for the remembrance period.

“I would urge anybody to support the British Legion and wear their poppy with pride.”

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £3 for 3 months for a limited time only here.

This comes months after Vera was named a ‘Community Champion’ by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for her decades of fundraising in March.

Following her commendation, Vera affirmed she will keep fundraising for as long as she can.

In March, she said: “I’m the type of person that likes to keep in the background and just get on. I’ve appreciated all the nice things, but I’ve never taken them for granted.

“I’ve never expected anything in return… I’ll keep going as long as I can. I have a good band of helpers and volunteers.”