Seed supplier donated 25p from the sale of every packet of its Victoria Cross poppy this spring to the Royal Hospital, raising much-needed funds for the home of the Chelsea pensioners.
Having begun the partnership during the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War, the Suffolk seedsman has announced that it will continue to support the organisation for at least another four years - until the centenary of the end of hostilities in 2018.

Mr Fothergill's has pledged 25p to the Royal Hospital's charity from every packet of 250 seeds priced at £1.85 that it sells via its retail stockists during 2014.

Presenting a cheque for £24,462.50 in the Hospital's allotments to Chelsea Pensioner William 'Paddy' Fox , Mr Fothergill's Seeds joint managing director David Carey said: "Sales of Poppy Victoria Cross have been phenomenal this spring, making it our biggest-selling variety. It just shows the huge support there is for our former armed service personnel among Britain's millions of gardeners".

Mr Carey was accompanied by national field sales manager Richard Keegan and leading territory managers Larry White, Stuart Clements and Sylvia Thomas, who received a personal tour of the Royal Hospital as thanks for the special efforts they have made in promoting the joint venture.

Royal Hospital Chelsea fundraising manager Kate Marsh said: "On behalf of the Chelsea Pensioners, I would like to say how delighted we are to receive this incredibly generous donation from the sales of Mr Fothergill's Poppy Victoria Cross seed. The funds raised will help us to provide the very best care and service to the Chelsea Pensioners, many of whom are taking part in First World War remembrance services across the country this year.

"Our sincere thanks to Mr Fothergill's for their support and we hope more people are inspired to grow their beautiful Victoria Cross poppies."

The Royal Hospital Chelsea was established in 1682 by Charles II to provide a safe home for military veterans 'broken by age or war', the Christopher Wren-designed Royal Hospital admitted its first pensioners in 1692. The scarlet tunics and black tricornes of its residents and the Royal Horticultural Society's Flower Show held in the Royal Hospital grounds every May are equally well known and respected around the world.