SAIF Golden Charter

Funeral directors raise £500k

British funeral directors have raised more than £500,000 for the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland in partnership with Golden Charter.

The campaign, which is entering its sixth year, sees a donation of £25 made to the Royal British Legion or Poppyscotland for every Golden Charter funeral plan sold by participating funeral directors.

A B Walker & Son Ltd is an independent funeral director located in Reading who has supported the cause for six years.

Julian Walker of A B Walker & Son said: “As myself and my brother both previously served for the forces, we are extremely proud to support the Royal British Legion in our fundraising efforts.

“We see the charity as a vital support to those within the armed forces and as our business supports employment of ex-forces personnel, we are thrilled to help in any way we can.

“Our link with the charity shows the commitment and values of independent funeral directors. Our fundraising is an example of the support and service to our communities that the sector brings across the UK.”

Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Royal British Legion, said: “We are extremely proud of everything we have achieved in our fundraising partnership with Golden Charter and its independent funeral director partners since 2016.

“We are truly thankful that the partnership has reached an incredible milestone of £500,000 raised. These vital funds will help us to provide lifelong support to serving and ex-members of the British Armed Forces and their families through hardships.”

Suzanne Grahame, CEO at Golden Charter, added: “We’re very proud to see this campaign raise £500,000 for such an important cause. Last year alone, 691 independent funeral directors came together to raise funds, showing just how much can be achieved from working together. I’m looking forward to seeing this number grow as we enter the sixth year of the campaign and prepare to support the Poppy Appeal over the coming months!”