Royal British Legion launches 2026 Poppy Appeal highlighting sacrifices of Armed Forces families
By Community Correspondent
The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal launched yesterday, shining a light on Armed Forces families and recognising the sacrifices they make in support of serving loved ones.
Launched in 1921, the Appeal aims to raise more than £50 million to fund support for serving personnel, veterans and their families, “whatever the need, whenever it’s needed”.
Military families often face months apart, missed milestones and uncertainty.
The RBL provides support throughout service and beyond, from financial hardship and bereavement to caring for loved ones in later life.
To mark the launch, representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF delivered four specially created poppies, made from metal recovered from Second World War Spitfires, to Armed Forces families across the country.
The journey began in Manchester, continued through North Wales and the RBL’s Battle Back Centre in Shropshire, and concluded in London.
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One poppy was presented to Liam Farrelly-Swanston, whose brother, Lance Corporal Paul Farrelly, was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra, Iraq, in 2006. The Royal British Legion has continued to support Liam and his family since his brother’s death.
Reflecting on his loss, Liam said:
“Now I remember Paul with immense love and pride – pride in the legacy he left behind for his family and all who knew him.”
He added: “If Paul was here now, he’d want to make sure that everyone is remembered, not just him.”
Long-standing RBL supporter Dame Joanna Lumley is also backing this year’s Appeal. Having grown up in an Army family, she highlighted the impact of military service on loved ones.
“When someone serves, their loved ones share in the uncertainty, the time apart and the sacrifices that come with it,” she said, encouraging the public to wear a poppy and support the campaign.
Lucy Inskip, Director of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, said this year’s theme recognises that “when someone serves, their family serves too”.
She urged the public to support the Appeal, explaining that donations help the RBL provide everything from short-term relief to lifelong support for the Armed Forces community.
To see more about the Royal British Legion click here:
