Poppy Appeal organiser who raised almost £500,000 awarded Islington’s top honour

David John Dade rekindled the annual Poppy Appeal fundraising drive in the borough in 2013, encouraging schools, businesses and residents to donate and support ex-service personnel and their families, including those who died for their country.

Despite starting his first campaign in Islington just three weeks before Remembrance Day, David raised almost £14,000 on behalf of the Islington Veterans Association. This year he expects to raise around £80,000, with the total amount brought in to support veterans in Islington and beyond reaching almost half a million pounds.

“I’m very proud to be able to say that, and to say thank you to all those who have generously given their donations,” said David. Describing his voluntary work as “my way of giving back,” he added: “The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal helped me when I needed it, in the ‘70s. It’s helping veterans, their families, it’s helping with medical requirements, it’s helping with housing, clothing, and in some cases, care homes.

“When I got presented with the letter informing me, I was sat in the Mayor of Islington's office and, I will be honest, I cried. I was so surprised. It just came out of the blue, and it was a lovely, lovely feeling that I'm being recognised for what I do.

“The people that need to be thanked are the people of Islington and the visitors, of course, because without their generosity, I couldn't raise the money as I do.”

David also praised the support of local schools, pubs, shops, churches, Tube station staff, more than a dozen Mayors of Islington and his “smashing” local MP Dame Emily Thornberry.

Islington Council Leader Cllr Una O’Halloran said: “David is a huge asset to this community, to our veterans and to the Royal British Legion. The funds he has raised have changed lives. I’m so pleased he’s receiving this honour, which is richly deserved.”

Mayor of Islington Cllr Jason Jackson added: “David is a truly galvanising force – his endless energy and unfailing commitment over the years has brought communities together. To have driven such a huge fundraising effort is a towering achievement.”

It’s the latest chapter in a life dedicated to service. David joined the Merchant Navy aged just 14 after forging his father’s signature to sign up. A year later he was serving in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War, before transferring aged 18 to the Army’s Catering Corps.

His voluntary work includes several years supporting the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, while he has been an active member of the Royal British Legion for more than 54 years. Even his name carries a special legacy, honouring his uncle who served aboard HMS Hood during the First World War.

The Poppy Appeal is a full-time job throughout the year for the 77-year-old great-grandfather, but between October and December he works seven days a week on the fundraising campaign for Islington. Despite being the organiser, he can still be spotted out and about with other fundraisers during the campaign at the N1 Centre in Angel, Nag’s Head shopping centre and at Arsenal home matches, among others.

The great-grandfather, who lives in Matthias Road, Newington Green, said donations and demand for poppies remains strong. Would he like to keep selling poppies indefinitely? “I would love to, yeah, but I think my wife would like me to start winding down!”

Notes to editors

David was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Mayor of Islington Councillor Jason Jackson and Islington Council Chief Executive Victoria Lawson at a special ceremony on Thursday, December 4, in recognition of more than a decade of dedicated voluntary work for the Islington Poppy Appeal.

David has worked tirelessly to build support for the Royal Bristish Legion in Islington, forging strong connections with the council, businesses, community organisations and schools. He is also a former Standard Bearer and Parade Marshal at commemorative events for the Islington Veterans’ Association.