For years, Peter Allan fought to protect the lives of others.

The 45-year-old, from Barwell, spent 14-years in the Army serving in the Falklands and Northern Ireland with the 9th Parachute Squadron of the Royal Engineers.

But, when he was struck down with potentially fatal heart disease in 2004, 10 years after he rejoined civvy street, he had nobody to fight for him, until he found the Royal British Legion.

He is now one of the hundreds of people being supported by funds raised from its annual Poppy Appeal, which was officially launched yesterday.

Mr Allan suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy. The condition causes his heart to become enlarged and to pump less strongly.

He needed surgery to fit a device, similar to a pacemaker, which helps control serious rhythm disturbances with an electric shock.

On top of his own struggles, Mr Allan and wife Debbie, 47, have a seven-year-old son, Edward, with Down's Syndrome, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2005.

The couple do not work and rely on benefits to survive, but with the help of the Legion Mr Allan has been bought a mobility scooter and had his house fitted with disability aids.

Today, he described the Poppy Appeal as a lifeline and urged people to donate. He said: "I never realised how much they could do for people until I needed them, but then from the moment I did, they have been there for me.

"Before I had the scooter I could not go anywhere. It has really changed my life. They have been brilliant and I would urge anyone to support the appeal. It is not much to ask people to give a few pennies and wear their poppy with pride knowing what a difference their donation can make."

Every year since 1968 at least one British serviceman or woman has died in conflict. Last year the Legion raised £31m nationally to help them.

Richard Dare was among those to call on the Legion's support after his life changed forever on August 17, 2007 when he was blown up while serving in southern Afghanistan, with the Royal Anglian Regiment.

With the conflict in Afghanistan showing no sign of abating and more British troops being dispatched, the Legion is anticipating more and more servicemen will be returning home and having to rebuild their lives.

For four months, Richard was unable to speak after because the blast had damaged his brain.

He had to learn to walk and talk again and the injuries ended his Army career.

The 24-year-old, from Shepshed, is urging people to wear a poppy – not just for veterans such as Peter, but for the young servicemen and women risking their lives on the frontline in Afghanistan now.

He said: "There are a lot of support charities out there,, but the Legion has been going the longest and more squaddies need to know that it is there to support them.

"All of my battalion have gone back out to Afghanistan now, which has brought it all back.

"When I see people wearing poppies this year I will be thinking of them rather than myself."