Former soldier sets up 'army camp' to raise Poppy Appeal funds

Saturday 11 November 2023

While residents at a St Peter care home have been tucked up warm after retiring to bed this week, one of the home’s employees has been hunkering down under canvas to raise funds for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

With stints in Bosnia and Northern Ireland during her time in the British Army, former soldier Liza Thomas has been used to forgoing home comforts on occasions, and made light of spending five consecutive nights in the garden of L’Hermitage care home.

Having completed six-and-a-half years' service with the Royal Corps of Transport and the Royal Logistic Corps, starting in 1999, Miss Thomas has been a committed fundraiser for the Royal British Legion since moving to Jersey nine years ago.

Pictured: Liza Thomas, wearing her Royal Corps of Transport beret and clutching her teddy bear Poppy.

Residents at L'Hermitage and sister venue Beaumont Villa have been supporting the fundraising stunt, as well as taking part in their own initiatives to raise money for the Poppy Appeal, with more than £1,000 collected at the last count.

A pop-up Poppy Shop and a window display are among this year's activities.

"Everyone here has been really excited and asking me how it's going each morning when I get back inside and warm up," said Miss Thomas.

"There are a number of veterans who live here and they know how important the Poppy Appeal is for raising money and reminding people about the contributions made by members of the Armed Forces."

With a lowest overnight reading of 8.7°C on Tuesday morning, it's been a chilly exercise for the former soldier, although her decision to start on 5 November at least meant that Storm Ciarán had been and gone.

Pictured: Miss Thomas has slept in a tent outside L'Hermitage care home every night this week.

Miss Thomas added: "There's so much going on in the world at present, it's nothing big for me to be outside in my tent for five nights."

Originally from Hertfordshire, Misss Thomas was the first female to drive a fuel tanker during her time as a regular soldier.

She subsequently spent four-and-a-half years in the Territorial Army, serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment.

This Saturday, Miss Thomas will carry the standard for the women’s section of the Royal British Legion at the annual Armistice Day commemorations.

Anyone wanting to support the sleep out can make donations via the RBL's 'give a little' website.