As well as being a lifelong Brentford fan and season ticket holder, Andre Luke McGill volunteers as a Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO) for the Royal British Legion.  

“I’ve done the role for about 20 years and I look after the Shepherd’s Bush and Brentford areas,” Andre explains.  

“Remembrance Day means a lot to me. A lot of people sacrificed their lives for us so we could live our lives. It’s a time to remember the people who died in the war.   

“We're looking after fallen soldiers. We're raising money not just for serving soldiers, but those who were wounded or passed away, to help their families if they're struggling with anything. The money raised also supports a lot of care homes and respite centres.”  

The period around Remembrance Day is something that Andre commits his time to, taking annual leave away from his full-time job with Hounslow Highways.  

His motivation for being involved in the Poppy Appeal is close to his heart and family: “My dad was in the army and, when he left, he started volunteering with the Royal British Legion for the Poppy Appeal.  

“He did that for many years in Hounslow before he passed away. He would raise money all year round. In 2009, he pulled an Army Land Rover the length of Hounslow High Street to raise money for soldiers in Afghanistan.” 

Andre’s father, also named Andre, served in the Grenadier Guards - one of the oldest and most iconic regiments in the British Army. 

Andre Jnr adds: “My dad and my uncle were based in Northern Ireland during the bombings.”  

Andre’s Snr sadly passed away four years ago from terminal cancer. And, as well as carrying his father’s legacy as a PAO, Andre Jnr’s support for the Bees was also something he shared with his father: “My dad was an avid Bees fan and so is my sister. When I was a child, my dad and I went to games together.”  

Having first got his season ticket two years before the club’s move to Gtech Community Stadium, Andre Jnr proudly declares: “I’ve kept that going”.    

During this time of the year, Andre Jnr combines his passions - his love for Brentford FC and his commitment to remembering our armed forces.  

At our fixture on Saturday against West Ham, Andre Jnr will be with other volunteers from the Royal British Legion raising money to remember those who have served us in previous wars and conflicts.