Not content with just buying a poppy each year a Basingstoke man has taken to the airwaves to show his support for veterans.
Stevie Simpson, from Worting Road, has released a song to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
The 49-year-old singer/songwriter penned his tune about a second world war bike rider, called Lest We Forget.
Mr Simpson, who runs pet minding service Creature Care from his home, launched his song online in a bid to drum up cash in support of the legion.
A keen biker for 30 years, the former Royal Navy electrician is an active member of the Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Mr Simpson said: “The song is all about creating awareness for our troops who fought and died for this country.
“The song could be about anyone in particular. The whole thing is about remembrance.
“The song tells the story of a biker who left to join the Second World War as a dispatch rider, what he went through and how he felt at the end.”
Mr Simpson plays along with a mandolin - an instrument he believes is perfect for the song.
He said: “While it can be a little harsh at times - it's a very shrill instrument - but it just depends on the subtlety you play.
“For me its an ideal and perfect instrument to go along with my voice.”
The song was written four years ago and has become a popular fixture at gigs. He has performed it to over 20,000 fans at rallies such as the Welsh International Motorcycle Show.
Rick Hulse, Chairman of the National Association for Bikers with Disabilities, said: “When I first heard Lest We Forget it left me in tears, with a knot in my chest the size of a fist.
“As a somewhat grizzled old cynic I am not overly prone to spontaneous bursts of emotion so in effect this song came as something of a shock to me.”
The seven-minute song is available for download now. All money raised will be donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/stevieoneblokeonemandolin.
Text, Photography and Video by Adam Richards
