Young singer helps raise funds for Poppy Appeal

A young classical singer is helping to raise funds for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal with an album of remembrance.

The album, called We Will Remember Them, was launched by 23-year-old soprano Hayley Westenra at the Imperial War Museum in October. It includes readings of poetry, prose and news reports from the time of World War l to today, set to classical music. "Joanna Lumley, Dame Vera Lynn, Stephen Fry, myself, we're all doing readings on that album," Westenra said while talk to Sky's Eamonn Holmes. Fry recites In Flanders Fields, which was written during the First World War by Canadian soldier John McCrae. Lumley reads Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep, by Mary E. Frye, and I am With You, by Hannah Carpenter. Also included on the album are Rupert Brooke's sonnet The Soldier, and Staff Sergeant Andrew McFarlane's Sunset Vigil. Westenra, who is from New Zealand, said that doing a reading was a great experience. She is to sing at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday at the Royal Albert Hall. "It's a really special day as well,” she said. “It's a day to celebrate the brave and those heroes that fought for our freedom.” "There are mixed feelings throughout the day. It's a very poignant day indeed." For each album sold, £1 is donated to the Poppy Appeal, which supports those who have served in the Armed Forces.