The Black Farmer, a leading food, drink and lifestyle retail and wholesale business, owned by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE – who remains the UK’s only black farmer, has today announced its support for Remembrance, with the launch of its Poppy Sausage fundraising packs.
The painting featured on the packs is by former Grenadier Guardsman Dougie Adams. As a courageous war veteran, Dougie finds comfort, solace and peace of mind in painting following the emotional trauma experienced at war in Afghanistan and a diagnosis of PTSD.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones aka The Black Farmer said: “Today I witnessed true courage. It came in the guise of a sensitive, vulnerable young man whose demeanour tells of such trauma and emotional pain that his whole body has been affected by the experience. His mind has visited the very dark side of human nature, a place that we as humans have evolved never to visit. But in order for us all to stay safe in our democracy, we need our young men and women to be prepared to go to this place from where they may never return – if they do, the experience can scar them for life.
“Every year in November we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. This is a time to reflect, appreciate and honour the men and women who went on this journey never to return. Our liberty is the gift they have left us. Remembrance Day is when our leaders bow their heads to the fallen for one minute before we go about enjoying the spoils of their sacrifice.
“This should be a reminder to us all to put our hands in our pockets and give generously to support those who have given so much for us, not just in November but all the year round.
“After hearing Dougie’s story and many more like his, I figured that the one thing all we humans have in common is food. Here lies the opportunity to raise awareness of the ongoing support that these heroes need, and this is how my “Poppy” sausage was born – a delicious Pork Tomato & Basil and a Chicken Tomato & Basil with a significantly red look.”
Every pack sold will contribute to charity. Wherever the “Poppy” Sausage is sold people can be confident that a donation will be going to The Not Forgotten, a charity which has been an important source of support for Dougie in his recovery.