Worthing's new Poppy Appeal organiser 'completely humbled' as incredible 2025 total is revealed
Worthing's new Poppy Appeal organiser has revealed the total raised this year – and says she is 'completely humbled' by the generosity of the community.
Sarah Waghorn was encouraged by her eight-year-old daughter to take on the role and her whole family was involved in preparing for sales of poppies across Worthing on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
She took over from Lionel Harman, having been volunteering for the Poppy Appeal for many years, and had an extensive list of business across the town who were happy to sell poppies. Sarah boosted the 2025 campaign with military vehicle displays and a day of music and dance performances.
Sarah said: "The total figure that was raised this year by Worthing for the Poppy Appeal is £65,502.69. I am completely humbled by the generosity of the public in Worthing and it has been an honour to organise the Poppy Appeal.
"I would like to thank each and every one of the volunteers who helped get to this brilliant total and, of course, all the people in Worthing for their kind generosity. Financially, times are tougher then ever at the moment for many but thanks to you all, we can help better the lives of many armed forces individuals and their families."
Among those to support the appeal were the Worthing branch of the Royal British Legion, Worthing Sea Cadets, Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman, Tim Loughton, Hemiko, Worthing Veterans Association, Worthing mayor Cathy Glynn-Davis, Melanie Peters from The Social Media Rocket, Mark Colyer the Duck Man, Worthing Morrisons' community champion and 45F Worthing Squadron Air Training Corps.
Sarah said: "The Poppy Appeal is something I feel very passionate in supporting."