A former Staffordshire firefighter is digging deep for the Poppy Appeal, by launching a JCB-themed badge to raise funds for the charity.

Kelvin Chell, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, has designed a JCB digger-themed pin badge, with all proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. JCB supplier Rayne Engineering has joined forces to fund production of 1,300 of the badges, which will be available for a modest donation of £4.

Kelvin has a long track record of raising funds for military charities through his bespoke badge designs, having raised over £140,000 for the Poppy Appeal in the last six years. The badges will  go on sale at the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun run on July 9th, when hundreds of racers are expected to compete in the five-mile race and two-mile fun run course around the JCB World Headquarters.

“I wanted to do something with a JCB theme to coincide with the company’s 80th anniversary year and because JCB is one of the great British success stories based in my home county of Staffordshire," said Kevin. "It’s fantastic to have the support of both JCB and Rayne Engineering to bring the project to life. Every badge sold will help support veterans and their families, which is something very close to my heart.”

Andrew Simmell, owner of Rayne Engineering, added: “We’re proud to support Kelvin’s efforts and to play a part in such an important cause. The Poppy Appeal does incredible work supporting the Armed Forces community, and this badge is a brilliant way to raise both funds and awareness.”

While Regional Poppy Appeal Manager for the Northeast and Northwest Midlands, Annemarie Jones said: “We are really grateful for Kelvin’s support over many years and we are very pleased that JCB and Rayne Engineering are contributing towards this year’s great fundraising initiative.”

Kelvin's fundraising effort continues JCB’s support for the Royal British Legion, including the unveiling of a special poppy-themed machine which was auctioned for the charity in 2018 to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/poppy-appeal