Hartlepool poppy hero Harry's fundraising recognised by the Queen and Bear Grylls

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

The fundraising efforts of a Hartlepool youngster who sold handmade poppies have been so great he has been recognised by Chief Scout Bear Grylls and the Queen.

The Mail brought you the story of Harry Fletcher’s handiwork last month whose poppies to display in windows were in great demand.

He has now raised a grand total of £5,025 for the Royal British Legion.

And on his ninth birthday the day before Remembrance Day, Harry received letters from the Queen’s Lady In Waiting and TV adventurer and Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

Harry Fletcher received letters from Bear Grylls (left) and on behalf of The Queen.

Mum Joanne Fletcher said: “He had been in isolation because there was a case of Covid in his school so to receive that on his birthday he was so excited.”

Harry, who attends Throston Primary School, sent one of his poppies to the Queen to put in the window at Buckingham Palace.

Joanne said she never expected a reply but Lady In Waiting wrote to him: “The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter, and for the gift of a poppy which you enclosed.”

Since writing to the Queen, he went on to raise much more as his poppies were delivered and displayed all over town with the help of his parents Joanne and Stephen, brother Lewis, 13, and sister Alice, 25.

Harry, who is a member of Throston Scouts, decided to make and sell the poppies because he was unable to parade with his scout group on Remembrance Sunday due to the Covid restrictions.

He said: “It is so important to help them [veterans and the Armed Forces] as they have helped us in the past, and now it’s our turn to help them.”

Throston Scouts presented Harry with a special poppy scarf over a Zoom call and the letter from Bear.

In it he said: “As Chief Scout it makes me incredibly proud that you’re helping honour the memories of those who gave their lives in conflict, as well as supporting our servicemen and women.

Harry with his letter from Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

"Thank you for supporting your local community and being such a brilliant shining light.”

Julie Warters, the Legion’s Community Fundraiser for Durham, Wearside and North Tees, said: “Harry has done an incredible job for the Royal British Legion during a difficult year for the Poppy Appeal, he is an inspirational young man."

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.