A terminally-ill veteran's dying wish is for people to support the Poppy Appeal this year. Patrick McQuiston was a gunner in the Royal Artillery for six years and his service included four tours of Northern Ireland.
Since leaving the Army he has received huge support from the Royal British Legion and despite being seriously ill the 68-year-old is determined to lend his support to the annual appeal. This year's Poppy Appeal launch featured a six-metre-wide wall of poppies featuring stories of veterans.
Patrick is one of the many from around the country who is telling his story in the hope that younger generations will learn more of the sacrifices made over the decades by veterans. Patrick, from Dinas Powys in the Vale of Glamorgan, left the Army to look after his parents who were both very ill. In 2005 Patrick became ill himself and received major surgery to slow down his terminal emphysema, which involved removing a large proportion of his lungs.
He suffered a serious infection after the surgery, severely affecting his mobility. In 2006 the Royal British Legion provided Patrick with a mobility scooter which lasted him 10 years and, when it broke down, the charity replaced it. They also arranged for him and his wife Andrea to have a short holiday.
Patrick said: "The legion does so much for so many people and I think it is really important that people realise the importance and never forget the sacrifices that have been made. I have a terminal illness and was having problems getting around. I didn't really realise myself how much the legion can help out until I was told that they could get me a mobility scooter. It changed everything for me because I was able to be independent again, able to get out and about by myself, and helped me feel so much better about things.
"They also arrived for my and my wife to go on our first holiday in more than 30 years so we are so grateful for everything they have done for us. I really wish I could do more to support them too so telling my story is a way of giving some sort of payback. I have been taken off the transplant list so I want to do something for them while I can."
Like Patrick many of those featured in this year’s Poppy Appeal have received lifechanging support from the RBL and the legion is urging the public to wear a poppy to help it continue its vital work and to show serving personnel, veterans, and their families that they care about their service and sacrifice.
D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, who is now 96, landed on Gold Beach on June 6, 1944, becoming the youngest RAF sergeant to land in Normandy. Bernard said: “When I see people wearing a poppy I remember the lads we lost during World War Two. I was one of the lucky ones to survive but I lost three wireless operators in Normandy – two of them were 19 and one was 20. Wearing your poppy shows that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Those boys risked everything to protect our way of life.”
Simon O’Leary, director of the RBL Poppy Appeal, said: "Our Armed Forces have always been – and always will be – committed to protecting us, our freedoms, and our way of life. The Armed Forces community make unique sacrifices and contributions despite having never met us and the RBL supports them and their families both during and after their service. Every donation to the RBL’s Poppy Appeal helps us continue to provide vital support to veterans, serving personnel, and their families – the legion has always been here for them and, with your help, always will be." Remembrance Sunday is on Sunday, November 13. To find out more or to donate to the Poppy Appeal please visit rbl.org.uk.
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