A WIRRAL veteran forced to accept a medical discharge from the Army after a freak accident is among the first to wear a newly designed plastic-free poppy in aid of The Royal British Legion.

The 2023 Poppy Appeal is launched today (Thursday, October 26), with the public able to get hold of the new version of the iconic symbol of Remembrance for the first time.

Wirral Globe: This year’s plastic-free poppy is the first redesign of the iconic symbol of Remembrance in 28 years. There have been more than ten versions since 1921 This year’s plastic-free poppy is the first redesign of the iconic symbol of Remembrance in 28 years. There have been more than ten versions since 1921 (Image: Jon Keighren / Royal British Legion)It is the first redesign of the poppy in 28 years. There have been more than ten versions since 1921. The plastic-free poppy is entirely made from paper and can be recycled in household collections. It no longer has a plastic stem or centre, and can be fastened with a pin or worn in a buttonhole. A stick-on version is also available.

Army veteran Ross Freer, 36, from Moreton was one of the first people to wear the new poppy and says he is proud to do so. 

After seven years in the Army, Ross was forced to accept a medical discharge at the age of 31 after a freak accident left him with an incurable back condition and severe nerve damage down his right-hand side.

Wirral Globe: Army veteran Ross Freer from Moreton was one of the first people to wear the new poppy Army veteran Ross Freer from Moreton was one of the first people to wear the new poppy (Image: Jon Keighren / Royal British Legion)Despite constant pain, Ross says the Invictus Games has given him a new focus and a new lease of life.

He is considering drastic measures to improve his mobility - he wants to have his right leg amputated so he can lead a more fulfilling life.

Ross, who recently returned from the Invictus Games, where he represented Team UK, said: "The Poppy Appeal means everything to me, because it gave me the opportunity to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games as part of my recovery.

Wirral Globe: "I love the new plastic-free version, but while the poppies have changed, the meaning stays the same.

"Wearing your poppy shows you care, and that the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community will never be forgotten."

The launch of the RBL’s Poppy Appeal marks the start of the national period of Remembrance, when the nation wears the poppy to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces. Members of the public will be able to get their poppy – the original version or the new plastic-free version - from thousands of volunteers across the county, or from major supermarkets.

All funds raised from the Poppy Appeal will be used by the RBL to support veterans and their families, from help with the cost of living, employment and housing, to support with recovery after trauma or illness.

Director of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Andy Taylor-Whyte said: "We want to encourage as many people as possible to get a poppy this year and show their gratitude and support to those in the Armed Forces whose service and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

"We’re so proud that this year, we have our new plastic-free poppy too, so that the public can wear this poignant symbol of Remembrance, with less impact on the environment.

"Since the first Poppy Appeal in 1921 to today, public donations have provided a lifeline for service people and their families, and last year, we helped more than 27,000 people in the Armed Forces community.

"As a veteran myself, I am grateful to the public for giving what they can to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal this year.

"Donations enable us to support the Armed Forces community, past and present, all year round and shows them that wearing a poppy shows you care."

• To find out more or to donate to the Poppy Appeal visit rbl.org.uk