A FORMER soldier who had his right leg amputated above the knee following a car accident has told how the Royal British Legion has supported him.

Gareth Golightly, 35, who was joined by wife Denise, 31, and three children at the Tommy statue in Seaham, County Durham, was speaking as he helped the charity launch its 2016 Poppy Appeal in the region.

The Royal British Legion is encouraging people to ‘rethink Remembrance’ during this year’s campaign.

The poppy and the work of the Legion are often associated with the First and Second World Wars and elderly veterans.

However the charity is calling on people to consider all generations of the Armed Forces community when they wear their poppy.

Mr Golightly, who hails from Middlesbrough and now lives in Longbenton, Newcastle, was injured in 2002 in a car accident, while on his way back to his barracks in Wiltshire.

This resulted in him having an above knee amputation to his right leg, nerve damage to his left leg and a shattered pelvis.

He has gone on to take part in the Invictus Games and won a gold medal in wheelchair basketball. After the last Invictus Games, the family went on a Legion-funded Poppy Break to Byng House.

Mr Golightly said: “The Poppy Break provided by the Legion was priceless to our family. It gave us much-needed precious time together.

“The charity has also helped me fund adaptations to my house and garden and contributed to sports equipment, which helps build my confidence.”

He added: “During the Poppy Appeal this year we’re asking people to widen their lens when they reflect on remembrance.

“The Legion is here for all generations of the Armed Forces community, and it’s important to remember there’s a new generation that needs your support.

“When you pin your poppy on, or pause to remember, reconsider who you think of when you picture a veteran. Individuals and families from across the Armed Forces community need the Legion’s support, as well as our older veterans. Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of servicemen and women, veterans and their loved ones.”

The fundraising target in the North-East is £1.37 million which will go towards the legion’s national target of £43 million.

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe said: “The Poppy Appeal 2016 is encouraging the public to recognise the service and sacrifices made across all generations of the British Armed Forces.

“Service can come in many forms from being parted from family and loved ones for long periods of time, to physical and mental injury, and sadly making the ultimate sacrifice.

“The Legion’s role remains as contemporary and as vital as it has ever been supporting today’s generation of Service personnel, veterans, and their families whether living with an injury or illness, coping with bereavement or finding employment.

“We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise £43 million. The Legion’s work is entirely dependent on the public’s generous support – so please wear your poppy with pride, knowing that you are helping the Armed Forces community to live on.”