Veteran fundraiser Ted Griffiths nominated for Community Pride award

Ted Griffiths, who has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, has been nominated as Person Of The Year.

The 90-year-old was put forward for the accolade by Bob Burrows, chairman of the North Yorkshire branch of The Royal British Legion, who described Mr Griffiths as a “truly remarkable man”.

He said: “Since the end of his military service at the end of the Second World War, Mr Griffiths has been actively involved with The Royal British Legion and ex-service community.

“For the past 60 years, through rain, shine, wet and blow, he has led the parade of veterans through the streets of York to and from the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

“This year is the 20th anniversary of The Royal British Legion’s York Festival of Remembrance, an event which he has organised throughout this period. Last year this Festival raised £7,000 for the Poppy Appeal.”

Mr Griffiths, who lives in Heworth, is president of the York branch of the Royal British Legion and the York District Council of Ex-Service Associations, playing a very active role in both organisations. Mr Burrows said: “During his long life he has held many appointments.

“For many years he was the Poppy Appeal Organiser for the City of York and still continues as organiser for the Heworth area.

“During this time Ted has help raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for this Appeal which is very close to his heart.”

Mr Griffiths, who was an artilleryman in the Second World War, has been awarded an MBE in recognition his work for The Royal British Legion and wider community and has also been made an Honorary Freeman of the City of York.

Less than two weeks remain to nominate your unsung hero in our Community Pride Awards, which we are running in conjunction with City of York Council and Benenden Healthcare Society.

Return the entry form, along with a supporting statement, by July 23.