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After 11 years at the helm of Hartlepool’s Poppy Appeal, organiser Sian Cameron has received the highest honour Hartlepool Council can bestow.

Named Honorary Freewoman of the Borough, the historic title recognises her sustained and significant contribution to the area.

“It means so much to me, particularly as it’s Hartlepool, a town that was so important to my dad,” she said.

Sian’s father, Ian Cameron, was Poppy Appeal organiser for Hartlepool before her.  When he passed away in 2010, she immediately took the reins.

Since then, every year, the 38-year-old from Wolviston has taken time away from her day job as Centre Support Manager for NETA Training, to deliver and sell poppies, leading a team of dedicated volunteers.

She said: “It’s very much a team effort, I am lucky to have an amazing group of people around me, both my poppy team and the NETA team.”

There’s no denying the last Poppy Appeal was probably one of the most challenging yet.

Even with the additional challenges of the pandemic, Sian’s enthusiasm remains.

It’s not that they lacked the usual passion, or even the volunteers.  But, after over a decade of having the process down to a fine art, she and the team, had to rethink the logistics.

It didn’t dampen their spirits, in fact, they were as determined as ever to get poppies to all those that wanted them.

“It was reduced and, of course, everything had to be carried out in a Covid-safe manner,” said Sian, but the job still got done.

It’s that relentless spirit and commitment to the cause that has seen her granted the prestigious title.

She said: “People said, have a year off because of Covid 19 but I was determined that wasn’t going to happen.  We did the very best we could while keeping everybody safe.

“We got poppies to all the places that needed them.  Some of the older generation had been concerned they were not going to be able to get that poppy they have been buying for the last 60 or 70 years.  The feedback we received from the public was how pleased they were to see the Poppy Appeal go ahead.”

Looking back at the last 11 years and all the hard work, Sian said: “I absolutely love every minute.  It can be hectic but so rewarding.  It really does bring out the best in everyone, I’ve met some lovely people and it’s a pleasure to be involved with such a worthwhile charity.”

Sian was one of four people granted the title of Honorary Freeman/Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Hartlepool announced on Thursday (March 18, 2021).

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