Trust poppy wreaths carried from Cornwall to London on special trains
Poppies to Paddington trains have carried hundreds of wreaths from Cornwall to London, including 3 from the Trust.
Launched during the pandemic when no-one could travel to mark Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day, the initiative is now in its seventh year.
The Night Riviera Sleeper from Penzance was the first of the 2026 trains to set off, flanked by a guard of honour. This included the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho. He was joined by military personnel, as well as members of the Royal British Legion, The Veterans Charity and Penzance Sea Cadets.
Neill Wilson, Case Coordinator for Palliative and End of Life Care is also the Trust's Staff Side lead for the armed forces community. He was at Penzance on Tuesday 10 November to place the first of our wreaths:
"It means a lot. As a member of the armed forces community, remembrance is always a special time for us any way. We remember all year round, not just on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. But taking part in Poppies to Paddington is extra special.
"You have veterans from the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the British Army who all come together. It is a proud moment."
The Great Western Railway (GWR) sleeper service was followed by 9 other Poppies to Paddington trains. These set off on Armistice Day (Wednesday 11 November), with this year's event making 110 years since the Battle of the Somme.
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 Truro by Kathy Smith, Ward Manager at Falmouth Community Hospital:
"It is to remember and never forget that these people gave their lives to make sure we all have freedom."
Kathy was joined by Progress Coordinator Matthew Burley, who served in the Welsh Signal Regiment of the Territorial Army, now known as the Army Reserve. He added:
"It was an honour to hand over the wreath on behalf of Boscawen Ward."
The next stop was Bodmin Parkway, where Recruitment and Onboarding Officer Loo Jones was "proud" to place the final Trust wreath:
"Before joining the NHS, I worked as a Ministry of Defence civil servant at Royal Air Force (RAF) stations across the UK and overseas, while supporting my husband during his service in the RAF. Our final posting was to RAF St Mawgan and after many years of travelling, we chose to make Cornwall our permanent home.
"It is a privilege to take part in this tribute to those who have served."
Poppies to Paddington is part of The Veterans Charity's Routes of Remembrance, set up in partnership with GWR.
Between them, the poppy trains carry hundreds of wreaths to the London station. Once again, they will be laid at the iconic war memorial on platform 1. This will be followed by a service of remembrance at 10.45am, ahead of the national 2-minute silence at 11am.
The Trust's involvement in Poppies to Paddington will be followed by a special award. On 3 December, Neill and Loo will travel to Dorset to collect the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme gold award.
2026 is also the year which has seen 4 more of our community hospital sites achieve Veteran Aware status. Special plaque unveilings will be held in early 2027.