The Royal British Legion has announced a record-breaking fundraising total after more than £1.7 million was donated during this year’s London Poppy Day.

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The annual event, which took place on October 29, raised an impressive £1,703,851 in just 12 hours, surpassing the previous year’s total of almost £1.5 million, BBC News reports.

Marking its 20th anniversary, London Poppy Day saw thousands of military personnel and civilian volunteers take to the capital’s streets, railway stations and transport hubs to collect donations for the armed forces community.

Fundraising activities took place at 74 locations across London, with military bands and choirs performing at more than 20 stations, including Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Euston and London Bridge.

Actor and television presenter Ross Kemp helped launch the event aboard a Thames Clipper boat, while members of the Royal Marines made a spectacular appearance at Waterloo Station.

The Marines abseiled down the station’s Victory Arch carrying poppy wreaths, providing one of the day’s most memorable moments.

This year’s appeal also expanded into new locations, including Battersea Power Station and Thames Clippers services.

Tamsin Fraser, head of the Poppy Appeal, celebrated the achievement and praised the generosity of Londoners.

“We are so thrilled to have raised such a significant sum of money; to raise £1.7 million in 12 hours is incredible,” Fraser said. “The event is in its 20th year, and it has gone from a few volunteers raising £500 to raising this record amount last week.”

The milestone highlights just how much the annual fundraiser has grown since it first began two decades ago.

What started with a handful of volunteers collecting just £500 has developed into a major city-wide event, bringing together the armed forces, businesses, transport organisations and members of the public.

Fraser also thanked those who gave up their time to support the appeal, including Transport for London and the thousands of volunteers stationed across the capital.

“We had thousands of volunteers come out at 74 locations across London,” she said, adding: “We are particularly grateful to the public for coming out and getting involved,”

The money raised will help the Royal British Legion continue providing support to serving military personnel, veterans and their families.

According to Fraser, the charity is currently helping approximately 8,000 families at any given time.

This year’s campaign placed particular emphasis on recognising the sacrifices made by military families, as well as those serving in uniform.

“The theme for this year is families. We know behind every serving personnel there’s a military family, offering support but also making sacrifices,” Fraser said. “The RBL wants to let the public know we’re there for families too.”

The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal encourages people to wear a poppy as a symbol of remembrance and appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces.

Donations help fund the charity’s work supporting members of the military community and their loved ones.

With London Poppy Day now celebrating its most successful fundraising year to date, Fraser encouraged anyone who had not yet participated to show their support ahead of Armistice Day.

To donate to the Royal British Legion, click HERE.

Featured image credit: Instagram/Royal British Legion (screenshots)