Chelsea players welcomed members of the armed forces to Cobham to mark the start of the club's support for the 2009 Poppy Appeal.
Chelsea players welcomed members of the armed forces who have been deployed in Afghanistan to Cobham to mark the start of the club's support for the 2009 Poppy Appeal.
The visit was part of the club's backing for the annual fundraising by the Royal British Legion that will include events before tomorrow's match versus Manchester United, plus poppies embroidered on the players' shirts.
John Terry and Joe Cole were among the players who greeted the servicemen at the training ground. Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, a big Chelsea supporter who lost both legs and an arm while on duty for the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan was one of them.
This year's Poppy Appeal is carrying the message that as well as remembering those who served in past conflicts, the Royal British Legion also provides support for veterans of current campaigns.
'Chelsea, as a club and as individuals, has got fully behind the Appeal,' says Terry.
'We want the veterans to have the recognition and support they fully deserve. They're the people who are putting their lives on the line for us.'
The Chelsea captain had previously met Lance Corporal Neathway at the Millie Awards, the recently inaugurated recognition of those who have shown remarkable bravery and courage in action.
'Getting to know people like Tom and hearing about what he has been through is unbelievable,' Terry says. 'When I first spoke to him, he told me he couldn't wait to get back and that is the determination and the courage of these guys. They are a real pleasure to meet.'
Lance Corporal Neathway welcomes football's backing of the Poppy Appeal.
'It does still cover the First and Second World Wars but Afghanistan comes under the same umbrella.
'The players are on the newspaper back pages every day and for them to support us shows everyone should support the Appeal.'
'We need around £60 million to maintain the level of support we have going,' explains Graham Akins from the British Legion.
'We support over 100,000 people a year and it is important we are there for them, helping them readjust into civilian life, giving them any financial or other advice they need.
'This year we are focusing on the fact the Poppy Appeal is there for people who are coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq today, because they are going to need us now and throughout their lives.
'A lot of people think the Appeal is remembrance of the World Wars. It is that but it is also to remember people from now and support those people. It is great that Chelsea get involved.'
Joe Cole in his youth accompanied his grandfather to his local British Legion headquarters on Remembrance Sunday.
'The Poppy Appeal is a great way for people to get involved,' says our midfielder.
'Chelsea are right behind it and if there is a good cause to get behind, this is the one. It shows what a great nation we are that we look after our war heroes.'
'It is the first time we have had poppies on our shirts,' adds Terry. 'It gives it the recognition it deserves and it is good it has fallen on such a great occasion as Chelsea versus Man United, with a lot of people watching.'
Lance Corporal Neathway will be at the game and is confident of a good result.
'We are playing well and are a strong side,' he says. 'It will be awesome just to smash them!'
The players' shirts will be auctioned after the game with the proceeds going to the British Legion. Details of the auction will be announced early next week.
Around the stadium on Sunday there will be 50 members of the Armed Forces collecting for The 2009 Poppy Appeal.
Chelsea has invited 150 military personnel past and present to watch Sunday's match. Also invited are Conor, the son, and Natalie, the ex-partner of Michael Lockett, the most highly-decorated British solider to die in Afghanistan. Michael was a dedicated Chelsea fan, as is Conor.
Please arrive early in the stadium and take your seat in good time as a number of events will be taking place on the pitch to mark Remembrance Sunday:
- The Chelsea and Manchester United players will form a guard of honour on the halfway line.
- A procession of Chelsea Pensioners and Royal British Legion troops will walk out onto the pitch.
- After the coin toss the players, troops and fans will observe a minute's silence.
Click for more information on the 2009 Poppy Appeal.
Also shown in picture with Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda are Anil Gurung, Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, Major Stu Russell and Sergeant Major Bob Toomey.
