In the News:

Lone soldier raising awareness of National Veterans’ Day
May 8 2008 by Angela Rainey, Evening Gazette
A LONE soldier paid tribute to war veterans past and present by marching 10 miles in full kit.
Dressed in his camouflage uniform and carrying over 50lb in his army backpack, Michael Hill set off on his march from Middlesbrough’s Royal British Legion to the Redcar branch.
A veteran himself, having been discharged on medical grounds due to hearing loss, Michael, 26, served in the Corps of Royal Engineers for three years and completed a tour of Afghanistan last year.
He devised the challenge not only to pay respect to veterans past and present, but to raise awareness of National Veterans’ Day on June 27 and raise money towards a social event to mark the occasion.
He said: “I was hoping to do it in less than two and a half hours and I did it in one hour 40 minutes - that was setting off from the British Legion on Park Road North and marching to Coatham Road, Redcar.
“It was to say a massive thank you to veterans who have served and those still serving Queen and country.
“There were a few people along the way staring at me, wondering what I was doing, but it was all for a great cause. It was a huge success and was a good opportunity to raise awareness of National Veterans’ Day.”
Michael’s friend Daniel Appleton, 26, who is due to leave the Army Air Corps after completing two tours of Afghanistan, cycled alongside him to offer support.
On finishing his trek, Michael, who is secretary of the Middlesbrough branch of the Royal British Legion, was greeted by RBL representatives Alan Harrison, councillor Peter Porley and Margaret Brown, as well as Redcar members who raised The Standard for him.
A ceremony was then held at the Redcar Cenotaph before Michael was treated to a well deserved pint afterwards.
“I’m a bit stiff now but it was well worth it,” said Michael.
“It raised £600 and with that, we will be holding a night of entertainment on June 27 for anyone connected with the forces.
“That’s one of the reasons I got involved. To be able to help even just one person makes it all worth while.”
Michael added that any member of the armed forces, past and present, are invited to celebrate National Veterans’ Day at Middlesbrough’s British Legion on Park Road North.
Cllr Porley, who also served in Hong Kong in 1949 with Corps of Royal Engineers said: “It was an absolutely wonderful effort. I’m sure the veterans will be very pleased with Michael’s efforts.”
For more information on National Veteran’s Day ring Michael on 01642 873224 or visit www.freewebs.com/middlesbrorbl.

This is a picture of some of the individuals involved in raising an astronomical amount for the 2007 poppy appeal. Over £30,000 was raised and The Royal British Legion, Middlesbrough Branch held a thank you event at the RBL Club, Middlesbrough in order to honour this achievement and it was a huge success. The event was publicised within the local press and Michael Hill, the branch secretary appeared on the John Foster show on BBC Radio Tees. Hopefully this event enabled us all to honour and celebrate the tremendous achievement by those involved and also raise awareness of the Middlesbrough branch and TRBL as a whole.

Below is two articles from within the local press:

Middlesbrough branch of the Royal British Legion thank those involved in poppy appeal

Posted by Fiona - Administrator on February 14, 2008 1:35 PM

A CELEBRATION has been organised to thank those involved in the 2007 poppy appeal, which raised over £30,000.

The Middlesbrough branch of the Royal British Legion has organised entertainment, raffles and a prize-giving at 7pm on February 25 at the Royal British Legion Club in Park Road North.
Branch secretary Michael Hill, an Afghanistan veteran, said last year’s appeal, which helps serving and former forces personnel, was one of the most successful ever.

“I think it’s a bit more prominent in people’s minds with the Yorkshire Regiment serving out in Afghanistan with local people killed in conflict,” he said. “People tend to think about the British Legion as being about World War One and World War Two but the remembrance parade is in memory of all service personnel who have died in every major conflict,” he said.

“The Middlesbrough branch is still very much active in the area.”

Salute to the £30,000 poppy appeal team

Mar 6 2008 by Angela Rainey, Evening Gazette

HARD-WORKING collectors who raised more than £30,000 for the Poppy Appeal have been recognised for their efforts.

Certificates were presented to 12 fundraisers at The Royal British Legion, Park Road North, Middlesbrough, as a thank you.

Each of the volunteers donated their time to collect money, distribute poppies and help count the proceeds, which will benefit all who have served in the forces.

Secretary of the Middlesbrough branch, Michael Hill, 26, served in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, last year with the Royal Engineers.

He ran the US Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC last year in just over five hours, and will be attempting the Great North Run this year.

He said the thank you event for the £30,131 raised by last year’s appeal was also aimed at raising awareness of what the British Legion does, helping “those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces with welfare and health issues, compensation and advice.”

He said the Middlesbrough branch would welcome new members, including civilians.

More volunteers are also sought for campaigns throughout 2008 including the Poppy Appeal in November, when collectors will be assigned all over Middlesbrough to raise funds.

To join the branch or volunteer ring Michael on 01642 873224 .