A 125 metre high wind turbine has been “transformed” into a giant poppy in support of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2020.
This year the charity has developed new ways for people to support the appeal whilst adhering to social distancing measures.
Energy company Vattenfall carried out the work on the turbine at Swinford wind farm in Leicestershire to promote the message that “this year more than ever, every poppy counts”.
The wind turbine had a 90-metre-wide poppy head projected onto the blades, while a cascade of smaller poppies fell 80 metres down the turbine tower.
Vattenfall is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, with nearly 10% of its UK workforce having served in the military.
Remembrance Sunday will not be commemorated in the usual way this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In support of the 2020 Poppy Appeal, Vattenfall is aiming to fundraise £10,000 to help the Royal British Legion, and donations can be made via the company’s Just Giving page.
Vattenfall senior business development manager and a former Royal Navy submariner Colin Brown said: “At this time of the year we normally see an army of loyal volunteers and supporters selling and wearing poppies. However, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the usual fundraising effort.
“The Royal British Legion provides lifelong help to serving and ex-military personnel and their families. We hope that this small symbol of our respect and appreciation encourages people to keep supporting the annual Poppy Appeal and the assistance it provides to veterans and their families.”
Community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion and former Royal Artilleryman Mark Smith added: “Remembrance Day is important not just to private individuals or groups of people, but to industry and commerce as well.
“Every poppy counts, and this particular poppy will have been seen for miles around, as well as by people driving past on the M1.
“It’s a timely reminder of the sacrifices of the past, and which continue to be made by our Armed Forces and their families for our sake.
“We’d like to thank Vattenfall for their commitment to helping the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion to raise both awareness and funds to support so many veterans.”