Royal British Legion rejects Huddersfield BNP member’s charity money

Aug 15 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE Royal British Legion has rejected a British National Party member’s charity fund-raiser.

But the decision has caused a row with one of the charity’s campaigners in Huddersfield.

Single mum Rachel Firth planned to spend 24 hours inside a cardboard box to highlight the plight of ex-service personnel who are forced to sleep rough.

The Skelmanthorpe mum-of-two, 36, planned to raise money for the Royal British Legion, the charity for ex-servicemen and women.

But she also intended to give half the cash to the far-right British National Party, of which she is a member.

She claimed the government failed to do enough for ex-servicemen and women.

“It’s a crying shame ex-servicemen and women are having to sleep rough because they don’t get enough support from the Government.

“I think the Royal British Legion do an excellent job.

“They provide welfare services, and are custodians of remembrance, and I believe a stay in a cardboard box for 24 hours is nothing compared to the dedication of the service men and women and the commitment of the Royal British Legion.”

But the British Legion’s central office says the charity does not want her money.