An Army veteran who works at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory has spent 26 hours making wreaths to raise money for Poppyscotland.
Debbie Parkinson completed the fundraiser as part of the 2.6 challenge, a bid to raise money for UK challenges while usual fundraising events are cancelled due to the lockdown.
Ms Parkinson made 170 wreaths between 9am on Thursday and 11am on Friday, and raised almost £600 for the charity.
She completed the challenge on her wedding anniversary, and celebrated with her husband John, who is also a veteran working at the factory and supported her through the night.
Ms Parkinson works on the Wreath Table, but is currently working from home.
She left the Army in 1992 after serving in the Women’s Royal Army Corps and then the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and was the first female veteran to join the factory since its opening in 1926.
Ms Parkinson said the challenge was ‘a bit of a struggle’ through the night, but that she had managed to stick with it partly due to encouragement and support from friends and her husband John.
“Thank you to everyone for their support and fantastic messages I’ve received. You have made all of this worthwhile,” she said.
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “It’s just phenomenal what Debbie has achieved, making 170 wreaths in 26 hours.
“She’s taken on this challenge to support other veterans because they’re all in the same boat. Seeing our beneficiaries wanting to give back to the organisation supporting them is very powerful indeed.
“Hopefully it will show other members of the Scottish public that we are still fundraising during this pandemic.”
