A WINSFORD veteran who has spent decades helping former servicemen and women has scooped a Pride of Britain award.
Royal British Legion stalwart, Dilip Solanki-Koli, has been named Fundraiser of the Year for the Northwest, recognising 26 years of dedication to the armed forces community.
A familiar face to generations of residents, Dilip is best known as Winsford’s Poppy Appeal organiser, helping raise thousands of pounds for veterans’ causes over the years.
He said: “Being a Poppy Appeal organiser brings me a joy in helping others who need more help than me.
“Today, there are servicemen and women who are watching out for us, patrol this the skies, making sure there are no missiles coming this way.
“They are away from their families, and I just like to thank them for the wonderful job they do for us by raising money so when they come back, they can get help to get on with civilian life.”
A private in the Cheshire Regiment between 1975 to 1978, serving in Northern Ireland, he has dedicated countless hours to supporting fellow veterans through the Royal British Legion.
In 2008, Winsford’s RBL branch was honoured after volunteers raised £92,500 over a five-year period through the Poppy Appeal, with Dilip playing a key role in the fundraising effort.
The date of the Pride of Britain award ceremony has not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place some time in October.
RBL Poppy Appeal manager, Vicky Lawson, said: “We are all very proud Dilip has been named Volunteer of the Year.
“He’s such a familiar face in Winsford because of his never ending efforts to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
“He collects for the Poppy Appeal every year, without fail, and it’s fantastic that the spotlight is being shone on Dilip.
“He is a naturally shy and humble man, but he thoroughly deserves this honour.
“Despite his disability, he keeps going all year round, giving support to the Armed Forces community right across the town.
“As a veteran himself, he understands the needs of this community as well as anyone.
“This award recognises a lifetime of service to both the armed forces and the local community.”
As well as running the town’s Poppy Appeal, Dilip has served as treasurer and welfare chairman of the Winsford branch.
His efforts have also helped keep remembrance at the heart of the community through annual services and events.
Now, after years of quietly supporting others, the Pride of Britain judges have put the spotlight firmly on one of Winsford’s most dedicated volunteers.