Giant Poppy Sculpture returns to The Mall

Shoppers will be able to pick up a poppy and add it to the sculpture in Central Square when it returns on Monday.

The sculpture was created in 2014 by award winning artist Mark Humphrey as a tribute to the one million servicemen from the UK and Commonwealth who died as a result of the First World War.

Lavinia Douglass, marketing manager at The Mall Luton, said: “At The Mall, we are proud to support the Royal British Legion and are encouraging our shoppers to wear their poppies and give an extra donation for a poppy to display on our Poppy Sculpture.

“It is a lovely way to show your support and also wear your poppy with pride.”

The Mall’s Poppy Appeal will be supported by Corporal Michael Lewis, an injured serviceman who was medically discharged from the army after 12 years of service.

After suffering extreme injuries while serving in Afghanistan, Michael is now a community fundraiser and will be speaking to staff and shoppers about the work and importance of The Royal British Legion.

He said: “Personally, this is my way of giving back to an organisation that not only helped me while I was serving in the army but after I was medically discharged in 2012.

“I’ll be speaking to The Mall staff about the great work the Royal British Legion does and how they helped me.

“I’m also looking forward to speaking to shoppers in The Mall and supporting this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

The Mall will hold a two minute silence on Friday, November 11, supported by a bugle player, and a two minute silence will also take place two days later at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.