SOUTH Western today marked the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day at London Waterloo, Britain's biggest railway station.  

London Poppy Day is the flagship fundraising event for the Royal British Legion's (RBL) annual Poppy Appeal. Donations to RBL help support the needs of serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. 

Last year, £1.5 million was raised across London stations throughout the day, including £124,000 at London Waterloo alone. 

At London Waterloo this year, railway customers and colleagues alike were treated to a unique spectacle as Royal Marines abseiled from the station's iconic Victory Arch. The Royal Marines abseiled with wreaths, which were then laid at the monument.

A video of the abseiling can be downloaded here.

Victory Arch, James Robb Scott's Grade II listed memorial to 585 railway workers who died in the First World War, was unveiled in 1922. Memorials to the 626 railway workers who died in the Second World War and in the Normandy Landings were added later. 

As well as the abseiling, customers and colleagues enjoyed performances by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the Military Wives Choir and the Pipes and Drums of the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Railway colleagues, including Dan Harrison the Head of Route Stations for South Western (centre left below), joined in the fundraising.

Dan Harrison, Head of Route Stations for South Western, said: 

"From Salisbury Plain to Aldershot to Portsmouth, the South Western network is rooted in the history of the Armed Forces and the communities shaped by it. 

"It was a pleasure to host the the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion at Britain's biggest station again this year, raising thousands to support personnel, veterans and their families. 

"Thank you to all the personnel, veterans and volunteers who made this 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day so special and thank you to all the customers and colleagues who donated to such an important cause."   

Lucy Inskip, Director: Poppy Appeal, Royal British Legion, said:  

“The Royal British Legion is incredibly grateful for the continued support of South Western as we mark the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day.

"Everyone has played an important role in helping us bring the capital together to honour and support our Armed Forces community, and we’re proud to have their support once again for this milestone year.

"Their contribution helps us raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal and ensure we can continue to be there for serving personnel, veterans and their families, whenever they need us.” 

Fundraising for RBL also took place at other railway stations across the capital as the whole rail industry united alongside Armed Forces organisations and volunteers to support the one-day city charity collection. 

Earlier this year, South Western received the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the Ministry of Defence’s highest accolade for organisations that provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community. 

This year, the rail industry is providing 100 free tickets for children and accompanying adults, attending the National Service of Remembrance in London, who are supported by recent South Western charity partner Scotty's Little Soldiers.  

Anyone travelling by train over the Remembrance Sunday weekend is advised to check their journey beforehand.