Double honour for Orihuela Costa Royal British Legion after fundraising and membership success

Community spirit on the Costa Blanca has earned double recognition for the Orihuela Costa and District branch of the Royal British Legion.

The branch received two major honours from RBL Spain District North following an exceptional period of fundraising and membership growth, including raising €16,776.50 for the Poppy Appeal and recording the district’s highest percentage increase in membership.

Fallen Hero Award recognises €16,776 raised for the Poppy Appeal

The branch received the Fallen Hero Award in recognition of its outstanding success supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Members and supporters raised an impressive €16,776.50 for the cause, reflecting the strong backing the branch has received from residents and businesses across Orihuela Costa.

The Poppy Appeal helps support the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families, providing assistance to beneficiaries who need it.

Fundraising has remained an important part of the Orihuela Costa and District branch’s activities, with volunteers organising and supporting events throughout the area.

The recognition also extended to individual members, with Katie Jane Matthews taking second place in the Lewis Shield for her work supporting the Poppy Appeal.

Recruitment Kukri rewards major growth in Royal British Legion membership

The branch’s second major honour was the Recruitment Kukri, presented to the branch achieving the highest percentage increase in membership across RBL Spain District North during the preceding 12 months.

For members, the award represents another sign of how far the Orihuela Costa and District branch has come after previously spending almost three years under district administration.

Since then, volunteers have worked to rebuild activities and strengthen the organisation’s presence within the local community.

Remembrance services, social gatherings, concerts, golf days and fundraising events have all played a part in bringing people together and attracting new members.

Orihuela Costa branch celebrates remarkable turnaround and growing community support

The momentum has continued throughout 2026, with residents, businesses and community groups supporting the branch’s activities and its Poppy Appeal fundraising.

The combination of the Fallen Hero Award and Recruitment Kukri recognises success in two important areas, raising money to support the Armed Forces community while also building a stronger local membership.

The additional recognition for Katie Jane Matthews adds to what has been a successful period for the Orihuela Costa and District branch.

From raising thousands of euros to welcoming new members, the honours reflect a thriving organisation built around volunteering, friendship, remembrance and continued support for veterans and their families.