Hundreds of poppy wreaths from Cornwall are en route to London as part of the sixth annual Poppies to Paddington initiative, including three wreaths from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The scheme, launched during the pandemic when travel restrictions prevented many from attending Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day commemorations, sees wreaths transported on special trains to the capital.

The first of this year’s trains departed from Penzance aboard the Night Riviera Sleeper at 9.45pm on Monday 10 November, escorted by a guard of honour including military personnel, Penzance Sea Cadets, members of The Veterans Charity, and the Royal British Legion. Jason Thomas, Lead Patient Safety Incident Investigator and retired Major of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, described placing the first Trust wreath on board as a privilege. He said:

"For me, this time of year is not just about remembering those that gave their lives in the 2 world wars. It is also in sombre thought of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan. I often recall names and faces of those we lost on tour into my thoughts. I am mindful that as medical advances in the field of trauma resuscitation and treatment have seen us save lives that 30 years ago would have been lost, we have sons and daughters whose lives will have been forever changed. Leaving scars both physically and mentally that may not be healed.

"I am also mindful of the spouses, partners, and friends of those who have served. Without their love and support, many of us would not have been able to enjoy a fulfilling career in the armed forces. Every tour of a theatre of conflict I did, my wife did it with me. Keeping the home going. Getting the kids to school. Providing play and keeping them safe, happy, and on the right track. Our nearest and dearest wear their 'medals' on the inside.

"Service is a word that is perhaps over-used, but its true value and meaning not always fully recognised. There are several parallels between life in the armed forces and within the NHS family. Devotion to duty, selfless commitment, and courage. If you get the chance to speak to a veteran about their service, please do. You will no doubt be surprised, enlightened, and humbled by what you hear."

The Trust’s three wreaths represent its adult community service areas: west, central, and north and east. The first was placed on the early morning train at Bodmin Parkway by Margaret Schwarz, Chair of the Trust, who said:

"These routes of remembrance are incredibly moving. It is an honour to place this wreath on Armistice Day, on behalf of the Trust and my many colleagues who have served. As Poppies to Paddington celebrates its sixth year, I am proud the Trust is celebrating being reaccredited as a Veteran Aware organisation. It marks our ongoing commitment to support the armed forces community, on this day and every day."

Margaret was joined by NHS colleagues and representatives from the local community, including Mayor of Bodmin, Councillor Liz Ahearn. Derek Coad, Chair of the Royal British Legion Bodmin branch, led a short service as the train departed, which included a one-minute silence and a single bugler playing the Last Post.

The final wreath was laid at Liskeard by Matron Sharon Savigar, who served in Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service, describing the moment as “a very proud” part of her life.

Neill Wilson, Progress Coordinator at Helston Community Hospital and Chair of the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Network, organised this year’s Trust wreaths, both for Poppies to Paddington and for each of the Trust’s 10 community hospitals to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. He said:

"6 years of Poppies to Paddington is an amazing thing. It is a way of the south west saying you are not forgotten. We still remember. To think some of these wreaths will end up outside the Cenotaph. I am so proud of everyone involved. There are so many members of the community who work for the Trust. It means a lot to them and their families that formally, as an NHS Trust, we are recognising that sacrifice that people have made."

The initiative forms part of The Veterans Charity’s Routes of Remembrance, run in partnership with Great Western Railway. The trains carry hundreds of wreaths which will be laid at the GWR War Memorial on Platform 1 at Paddington, ahead of special services marking Armistice Day and the national Railway 200 event, celebrating the role and sacrifices of railway workers during wartime.

Image: Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust