RBL Launches the 2026 Poppy Appeal

 

The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal officially launches today and will shine a light on Armed Forces families, recognising the unique challenges and sacrifices they make in support of their loved ones who serve. 

Started in 1921, the Appeal aims to raise more than £50 million to fund the RBL’s vital work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families throughout their lives, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed. 

When a partner or parent serves, they will often spend months away at a time, missing birthdays, anniversaries and first days at school. The RBL is there to support Armed Forces families from day one of service throughout their lives, including being there for them during deployment, helping with financial hardship, support after a bereavement, or caring for a loved one in old age. 

To launch the Appeal today, representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF will set out on a mission to deliver four specially created poppies, made from the metal of Second World War Spitfires, to Armed Forces families across the country. 

Beginning in Manchester, the launch will travel to North Wales, the RBL’s Battle Back Centre in Shropshire, and finish in London. Along the way, the special poppies will be presented to inspiring Armed Forces families, from one of the country’s youngest Poppy Appeal collectors, through to a family who made the ultimate sacrifice when they lost a loved one in service. 

One of the poppies will be presented to Liam Farrelly-Swanston, 39, from Reigate, whose brother Lance Corporal Paul Farrelly was killed while serving in Iraq in 2006. Paul, who served with the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, had completed two tours of Afghanistan before deploying to Iraq on what was due to be his final tour. He was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra alongside a colleague. Over the years since Paul’s death, the Royal British Legion has remained a source of support for Liam and his family. Twenty years later, Liam remembers the devastation of losing his brother and the effect it had on loved ones: 

“Losing Paul had a huge impact on our family. One of the things I’ve learnt since losing him is that grief doesn’t have to happen when a person is lost, it can come out years down the line. I will never forget waking up to all those missed calls from my mum.  

“Now I remember Paul with immense love and pride – pride in the legacy he left behind for his family and all who knew him. 

“To be receiving one of the special poppies today is a real honour, especially at the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial. If Paul was here now, he’d want to make sure that everyone is remembered, not just him.” 

Dame Joanna Lumley, a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion, whose father served as a Major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, is backing this year’s Poppy Appeal. She said: 

“I’m extremely proud to be supporting this year’s Poppy Appeal, and this year’s family theme feels particularly meaningful to me.  

“Having grown up in an Army family, travelling with my father’s postings, I’ve seen firsthand how much military service shapes family life. When someone serves, their loved ones share in the uncertainty, the time apart and the sacrifices that come with it. 

“I’d encourage everyone to get behind the Royal British Legion this year and show their support. Wearing a poppy is such a simple thing to do, but it means an enormous amount to those who serve, to veterans and, of course, to their families.”