Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, spent a recent Friday morning visiting the Poppy Factory in Richmond, to experience first-hand the work undertaken by the charity on behalf of disabled veterans.
During his visit Mark, who also serves as Minister of State for the Armed Forces, met with key Poppy Factory personnel including Chairman Mark Perowne, Vice Chairman Hugh Player, Trustee Colonel Marc Overton and Chief Executive Melanie Waters.
Mark was given a tour around the factory and was invited to meet Poppy Factory employees to talk about the challenges facing ex-Servicemen and women as they leave the Armed Forces to join civilian life, and the role the Poppy Factory plays in increasing opportunities to paid and meaningful employment, both at the factory and throughout the UK.
Commenting on his visit to the Poppy Factory, Mark said:
“For me this visit was inspiring. Not only does the Poppy Factory manufacture the wonderful emblem by which our country remember the sacrifices that were made so we can be free but they also provide work for veterans and their families, including a number with disabilities. As we approach Rememberancetide, I was very pleased to be able to visit those people who help us to remember a debt we should never forget.”