A 26-year-old businessman was inspired by the killing of soldier Lee Rigby and by stories from his elderly customers to go the extra mile with a Remembrance Day display.
While many content themselves with wearing a poppy, Lee Walker, of East Road, Chadwell Heath, has paid his respects to the sacrifices made by the country’s service men and women with two windows full of the Remembrance flowers, memorabilia and poems.
The display, at his IT repair shop, ILL IT Solutions, in Tolworth Parade, East Road, has struck a chord with customers ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Mr Walker said a family friend knew Fusilier Rigby who died near his Woolwich barracks in May.
He added: “There are a number of elderly people in the area and I do quite often hear stories from them. It was my way of showing support to the troops past and present.”
After getting in touch with the Royal British Legion for help, Mr Walker was able to put together the impressive exhibit.
Alongside poppies and a mock-up of the Cenotaph war memorial, he was able to include war medals from the grandfather of a customer and from Paul Hargreaves, a former soldier from Chadwell Heath, who also contributed a dagger in a display case.
Mr Hargreaves, who served for 22 years, said: “I was really touched when Lee asked me if I could help.Thanks to the community spirit of Lee and his family I feel confident that our area can feel proud that we will raise a decent amount for our soldiers, young and old.”
Poems in the windows, such as I Do Not Know Your Name by Kenny Martin and The Crosses by Bill Mitton, were seen by Mr Walker on Facebook in the days after Fusilier Rigby’s death.
Customer Maureen Gunnell, 67, of East Road, said: “It’s made people stop and look. We should remember the heroes that have died to make our country what it is.”
Mr Walker said one woman, whose late husband was a prisoner of war in the Korean War, had appreciated the display, while young people were also in favour of it.
He is selling poppies and other Legion memorabilia.
John Janes, the poppy appeal organiser for the Legion’s Becontree and Chadwell Heath branch, said: “We were over the moon when we heard he was going to do it.”
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