Carlisle's Poppy Appeal Margaret retires after raising over £1.5m

Margaret Wadsworth has announced the retirement of her role as poppy appeal organiser for the Carlisle branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL). 

Margaret, who is the secretary of the RBL for Carlisle and Stanwix, began her journey with the Poppy Appeal in 2007, assisting her husband Colin, who was the organiser for the newly formed Carlisle and Stanwix branch.

In 2008, the couple became joint organisers, expanding their reach to Longtown and Dalston.

Margaret and Colin Wadsworth, of Carlisle. (Image: Archives)

"I am extremely grateful to the two members of the branch who bravely volunteered to take on the task," Margaret said. 

"As you can imagine there have been many ups and downs during that time but I have to say, the generosity of the people of Carlisle and district is amazing, in all those years our total never dropped except during 2020/2021 during the Covid years.

"We haven’t reached pre-Covid figures yet but are very close," she said. 

Margaret's efforts in bringing in £1,506,271.76 have seen her recognised with several awards, including The Cumberland News Community Heroes Person of the Year award in 2017, and the Border TV Regional Fundraiser of the Year in 2018.

Former Mayor of Carlisle Jessica Riddle (left) with Margaret Wadsworth. (Image: Archives)

This led to her attending the Pride of Britain Awards Night in London, where she was selected as the National Fundraiser of the Year.

She appeared before millions on national television as she was presented with the award by Sir Cliff Richard and Rochelle Humes.

"That was just an amazing experience," she said. 

Another significant moment in her fundraising journey was in 2019 at the Royal Albert Hall, where she represented the poppy sellers at the Festival of Remembrance during a very 'emotional night'. 

"All these recognitions and awards would not have happened without the support and help of so many people who volunteer to deliver poppy boxes to shops and offices around the area, or sit in supermarkets which can be cold and draughty, I can’t thank each one personally but I hope they know how much their help has achieved.

"Thank you doesn’t seem enough but I thank everyone who helped or who made a donation of any kind. 

"Every good wish to the new Poppy Appeal Organisers, I will still be doing my little bit to help," she said.