Up, up and away

Bill Warwick, 77, of Laughton Wood Corner, Gainsborough, is raising funds for the Poppy Appeal, having served with the Royal Engineers during the 1950s.

“Last year I won a raffle prize which was a hot air balloon flight. So I decided to put it to good use and raise some money for the Poppy Appeal,” said Bill.

People may remember Bill from his days as a Scunthorpe and District footballer and bowls player.

“I’m 77 now so doing this is a big deal for me. I’ve never been ballooning before.”

“It will be an experience and I’m hoping to raise a good sum for the Poppy Appeal,” said Bill.

Bill is expecting a call any day now to say the flight will go ahead, setting off from Ambergate in Derbyshire, 55 miles away from Gainsborough.

In the basket with Bill will be his wife’s sister-in-law Lynn Clayton and a serving soldier from the Mercian Regiment.

Bill said: “I really hope people will get behind us and donate some money. It will be split between the Derbyshire and Lincolnshire branches of the Royal British Legion which organises the Poppy Appeal.”

“I served during the Suez crisis and I’m still a member of the Royal Engineers Association, the Suez Veterans Association and the Royal Observer Corps Association.”

You can sponsor Bill by making a cheque out to The Poppy Appeal. Send your cheque to The Poppy Appeal c/o Brookfield Cottage, Laughton Wood Corner, Gainsborough, DN21 3PY.