ONE OF Britain’s most respected charities has paid tribute to a retired police officer who died after a three-vehicle crash on a Hampshire road.

Michael Smith was a tireless supporter of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and helped raise almost £140,000 for servicemen, veterans and their families.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the 73-year-old was seriously injured on the A337 near Lymington last month.

His motorcycle was in collision with a Volkswagen Golf and a Volkswagen Polo. He was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where he died six days later.

Mr Smith was chairman of the Lymington branch of the Royal British Legion and the chief Poppy Appeal fundraiser in the area.

Clare Peppiatt, Legion community fundraiser for Hampshire, said: “Mike’s passionate dedication and commitment to the Legion was evident in 2006 when he became the Poppy Appeal organiser for Lymington.

“Mike was always so busy helping us in some way but always had a smile. His remarkable efforts over the years should be highly commended.”

Her comments come as Legion stalwarts across the country raise vital funds by selling poppies ahead of this year’s Remembrance Day services.

Mr Smith’s family have also paid tribute to the retired the police officer, who spent more than 30 years with the Metropolitan Police.

In a statement they said: “Upon retirement he continued to serve the community through volunteering for St John Ambulance and also organised the Lymington Poppy Appeal for many years.

“He is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren, who will sorely miss his guidance and sense of humour.”

Mr Smith, of Main Road, Portmore, suffered serious chest and spinal injuries in the accident, which is still being investigated by police.

Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Steve Antrobus on 101, quoting incident reference number 44160354534.