TV HARDMAN, Ross Kemp has toasted this year’s Poppy Appeal with a Falklands veteran.
Former Royal Marine, Colin Waite, (pictured) has designed commemorative limited-edition glasses pint and half-pint glasses to raise funds for the annual Royal British Legion’s (RBL) appeal.
Following last year’s Raise a Glass campaign, which raised over £94,000 for the charity, Marston’s pubs is aiming to raise crucial funds and awareness, in support of the Armed Forces community.
Colin served in the Falklands conflict, and now immortalises his experiences into powerful illustrations.
His 2025 design shows poppies blooming across the rugged Falklands landscape.
The glasses will be available in 292 Marston pubs in the West Midlands including Ye Olde Saracen’s Head in Balsall Common.
Royal British Legion ambassador and long-time supporter of the Armed Forces, Ross Kemp, joined Colin to see his designs on the glasses for the first time in Wokingham.
The pair were joined by other veterans and raised a glass in remembrance, and to the power of community in supporting those who served.
Kemp’s connection to the RBL stems from his grandfather serving in the Second World War, and his grandmother spending her final years in a RBL care home.
Over the years, he has actively championed the RBL’s work, from meeting veterans to joining military units in training, to helping raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal.
Ross Kemp, said: “I’m immensely proud to support this year’s Raise a Glass campaign, and it was an honour to be with Colin when he saw his designs on the glasses for the very first time.
“I want to encourage as many people as possible to raise a glass to thank our veterans this November.
“For me, this campaign is personal – my family has been supported by the RBL, and I know how much their work means to so many. Every glass sold helps ensure that veterans, serving personnel, and their families get the support they deserve.”
Jared Sedgwick, director of operations for the Midlands at Marston’s, added: “We were blown away with the response to our commemorative poppy pint glasses last year and are so proud to be able to go even bigger with the campaign this year.
“Colin’s designs have made the glasses extra special, and we have even more to sell this year, meaning we can raise even more money for the RBL.”
The limited-edition glasses will be available in pubs until November 11.
For more visit www.marstonspubs.co.uk/raise-a-glass/.
