Fundraiser creates Remembrance poppy display for Fund

Fundraiser Fiona Matthews has created a crocheted Poppy airman display to mark Remembrance Day, to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The airman display entitled ‘The Unknown Airman’ is exhibited outside Fiona’s home in Dorchester.

The airman is in a salute pose and is holding a purple wreath to remember the animals that served alongside them. The display is made of 1,500 crocheted poppies arranged around a chicken wire frame.

Fiona said: “Remembrance Day is important to me as it is a time to think of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I come from a military family, and my dad was in the RAF. Although he never needed support from the RAF Benevolent Fund himself, I'm proud to continue to raise money for the RAF Family in his memory.”

In 2024, Fiona created a poppy display of a Spitfire outside her house. Fiona added: “I have raised somewhere in the region of £5000 for the Fund over the years with my displays and through sales of my Vulcan shortbread which I sell each year at the Royal International Air Tattoo.”

Fiona has provided envelopes for donations to be posted through her letterbox for the local community who would like to support her fundraising efforts. The display will be available to view until after Remembrance Day.