Surrey Poppy Appeal 2026 launched at Pirbright

22nd October 2026 | Patron

Surrey Poppy Appeal 2026 launched at Pirbright

Today, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Neelam Devesher MBE, joined dignitaries, representatives of the Royal British Legion and members of the Armed Forces community at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, for the launch of the Surrey Poppy Appeal 2026.

The ceremony included an Act of Remembrance, prayers, readings and musical performances, before the official launch of this year’s Surrey Poppy Appeal. The Lord-Lieutenant gave the closing address before those gathered joined together for the National Anthem.

As Royal British Legion County Patron, the Lord-Lieutenant also had the honour of presenting the first poppies of Surrey to three individuals in recognition of their exceptional commitment and service.

Laura Hayworth, recognising more than 30 years of dedicated service as a Standard Bearer and her longstanding support of the Poppy Appeal, both in Surrey and nationally.
WO2 Michael ‘Billy’ Braithwaite, Poppy Appeal Manager for Pirbright Camp and Brookwood since 2017, whose work has helped promote the support available from the Royal British Legion to serving personnel.
Anne Cane, recognising more than 45 years of dedicated service as a Standard Bearer and a lifetime of commitment to the Women’s Section and the Poppy Appeal.

In her closing remarks, the Lord-Lieutenant gave thanks to the Royal British Legion, its volunteers and supporters for their dedication to raising vital funds in support of the Armed Forces community.