MARIAN Wakefield wants people to wear their poppies with pride this November.

When former nurse Mrs Wakefield, 78, was forced to retire through ill-health, she wanted to continue managing her home and household affairs.

Support from Malvern branches of the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) made it possible.

The charities have provided her with an electric scooter and electrically operated reclining chair, which has considerably eased pain in her legs.

Mrs Wakefield, whose late husband was a Warrant Officer 1st Class in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, is grateful for all the assistance she has received, without which she would be housebound.

"SSAFA have been marvellous to me and have provided me an awful lot of comfort," she said

Mrs Wakefield said she is not the only person in the services and ex-services community to benefit.

"Many families don't realise just how much support there is out there for them," she said.

Mrs Wakefield saves money for the Poppy Appeal all year round.

"Any loose change I've got in my purse on a Wednesday goes into the collecting jar," she said.

Poppy Appeal collectors are always needed, and volunteers can call 01684 563892.