Special trains carry Trust poppy wreaths from Cornwall to London
Hundreds of poppy wreaths are being carried from Cornwall to the capital on board a special convoy of trains, including 3 from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The Poppies to Paddington initiative is now in its sixth year. It launched during the pandemic when no-one could travel to mark Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day.
The Night Riviera Sleeper from Penzance was the first of the 2025 trains to leave for London, flanked by a guard of honour. Among them were military personnel, as well as members of The Veterans Charity, the Royal British Legion, and Penzance Sea Cadets.
Jason Thomas, Lead Patient Safety Incident Investigator served in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps. The retired Major describes placing the first of the Trust's wreaths on board the 9.45pm train on Monday 10 November as a privilege:
"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 Great Western Railway (GWR) Monday sleeper was followed by 9 other Poppies to Paddington trains, which set off on Tuesday 11 November.
Each of the Trust's wreaths represents 1 of our areas for adult community services: west, central, and north and east. The remaining 2 were placed on the early morning train. The first at Bodmin Parkway by Margaret Schwarz, Chair:
"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 across 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 pulled out of the station, which included a 1-minute silence and a single bugler playing the Last Post.
The next stop was Liskeard, where Matron Sharon Savigar placed the final Trust wreath. She served in Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service and describes that as a "very proud" part of her life.
Neill Wilson, Progress Coordinator at Helston Community Hospital chairs our Armed Forces Community Network. He organised this year's Trust wreaths. Not only for Poppies to Paddington, but for each of our 10 community hospitals to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day:
"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."
Poppies to Paddington is part of The Veterans Charity's Routes of Remembrance. It was set up in partnership with GWR. Between them, the poppy trains carry hundreds of wreaths to the London station.
Once again, those will be laid at the Great Western Railway War Memorial on Platform 1. This will be followed by special services of remembrance to mark Armistice Day and Railway 200, a national event to remember the key role the railway and its people made during wartime.