A Bridlington veteran who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion is appealing for help from local knitters ahead of this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Royal Engineers veteran Denis Scaife is seeking donations of knitted poppies which will be given to passengers who make a donation while travelling on East Coast Main Line services this November.
Denis, 75, has become a familiar face on trains between Hull, Doncaster, Selby and London King’s Cross through his hugely successful “Poppy Express” campaign. Alongside his wife Barbara and a dedicated team of volunteers, he has spent the past decade raising funds for the Royal British Legion.
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The campaign enjoyed remarkable success in 2025, raising more than £38,000 for the Poppy Appeal. Over the years, Denis and his supporters have helped generate tens of thousands of pounds for the charity.
This year’s appeal has the full backing of LNER and will also see Denis continue fundraising across a wider rail network, helping him reach even more passengers.

Denis said he would be grateful to hear from anyone willing to knit poppies for the appeal.
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Denis on 07939 208922.
The appeal will support the Royal British Legion’s work helping serving personnel, veterans and their families.
