Denis Scaife, a familiar face on the East Coast Main Line, has celebrated a decade of fundraising with his ‘Poppy Express’ by completing his most ambitious challenge yet. The 74-year-old, alongside his wife Barbara, undertook a two-day marathon, selling poppies onboard Hull Trains and Lumo services along the route from Retford to London King’s Cross, then on to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and back again.

The journey, spanning over 1,000 miles, marked ten years of the Poppy Express, which began as a small initiative with Denis and his wife and has grown into a well-established tradition with 15 volunteers taking part each year. In 2024, the effort raised more than £15,000, and for 2025, over £11,000 has already been collected.

Denis, a former Non-Commissioned Officer with the Royal Engineers, reflected on the milestone: “Hull Trains have stood by me and the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal right from the start and it’s always a privilege to sell poppies to the friendly and generous customers onboard. Our poppy marathon, this time teaming up with Lumo as well, has been a really special way to mark ten years of fundraising. Having the chance to attend the Scottish Poppy Appeal reception was a unique opportunity and a special moment for myself and Barbara. I’d like to thank both Lumo and Hull Trains for their amazing support and here’s to many more years to come!”

In recognition of the milestone, Hull Trains and Lumo organised a special treat for the couple in Scotland, inviting them to a Scottish Poppy Appeal reception at Holyrood. There, they learned more about Poppyscotland’s work supporting the Armed Forces and met other fundraisers committed to the cause.

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, praised Denis’s dedication: “As open access operators, we're proud to be deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Denis’s dedication to the Poppy Appeal embodies the very best of community spirit and we are honoured to support him in such a meaningful cause. I’d like to wish Denis a huge congratulations for completing ten years of fundraising and, in particular, this impressive challenge!”

With unlimited refreshments and snacks keeping the couple fuelled during the journey, Denis and Barbara’s epic Poppy Express ride not only marked a decade of fundraising but also demonstrated the power of community, generosity, and commitment along the East Coast Main Line.

Image: First Hull Trains