Fife veteran creates poppy-themed table to raise funds for Armed Forces charity

Richard Toole has put his artistic talents to use to produce poppy-themed tables, which are being sold to raise funds for an organisation that supports people in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Fifty per cent of the funds raised from the sales will go to the Outpost Charity, with the other half being used to create more products or start up other fundraising ventures.

“I do a lot of work with the charity,” said Richard, who now lives in Glenrothes.

“I normally do fundraising for them, but since Covid-19 has stopped that I thought I’d make some tables and chairs.

“I do a lot of work with poppies and military logos. I thought I’d put them all together.”

Richard joined Outpost Charity a few years ago and has completed various fundraisers for the organisation, which provides support and offers programmes to help serving Armed Forces members, veterans and their families.

That support ranges from activities aimed at boosting their self-esteem and confidence, to critical financial help, such as covering food and electricity bills.

All of its members are volunteers, meaning all of the funds raised go back into helping those in need.

Richard, who is vice-chair of the charity, organising fundraising events and supporting the volunteers, runs art workshops and works with veterans, teaching them art therapy.

“It helps them switch off and escape,” he explained.

“I’ve started out at 10pm and finished in the earl morning, because you just lose track of time and relax so much.

“I’ve worked with guys on the edge of suicide and they’ve loved it.

“It helps a lot of ex-servicemen, as well as people who have MS.

“An hour makes such a difference.”

Richard said he will continue to organise fundraisers for the charity, and plans on selling more of his art.

And it is not just poppy-themed art Richard sells. He welcomes commissions through his Facebook page and is happy to make bespoke items.

To find out more about Outpost Charity and the work it does to help the Armed Forces and veterans, visit www.outpostcharity.org.

To contact Richard about the table or a bespoke piece, visit www.facebook.com/taiksy.toolie.