MURPHY’S ARMY – AMBASSADORS OF ANIMAL REMEMBRANCE IN THE UK

#THEY ALSO SERVED     #PURPLEPOPPY   #RETIREDSERVICEANIMALFAMILY      

A Decade of Purple Poppies   A Decade of Making a Difference

This year is incredibly special for Murphy’s Army as we celebrate 10 years of our Purple Poppy Campaign. For the past decade, together we’ve honoured and supported the incredible animals who served and continue to serve alongside our emergency services and Armed Forces. As we mark this milestone, we are delighted to announce that our 2026 Purple Poppy Campaign beneficiaries are Bransby Horses, WAGs Retired Police Dogs and the They Also Served Memorial Fund. 

Every Purple Poppy purchased, every share, every conversation and every act of support helps us continue our mission to remember, honour and give back to these remarkable animals. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’d love you to join us in making this our biggest and most successful campaign yet. Together, we can make a real difference for these deserving charities. 

We are extremely proud that our efforts over the years have raised significant awareness of the meaning of the purple poppy, and that many more are now being worn with pride. Thanks to your wonderful support we are also proud to have raised nearly £300,000 which has helped many former Service animals in their retirement.   We help across all services including Police, Prison, Fire, Border Force and Military. And because we are entirely volunteer run every penny of the profits raised from our efforts directly benefits our chosen and very worthy recipients. 

Thank you for standing with Murphy’s Army over the past decade, and here’s to another amazing year of remembering those who served without choice.  

PLEASE NOTE:  THE MURPHY’S ARMY PURPLE POPPY CAMPAIGN IS IN NO WAY CONNECTED TO OR AFFILIATED WITH THE RBL OR ITS POPPY APPEAL

Operation Joey – A Coat of Purple Poppies for the Featherstone War Horse

Unveiled Friday 11th October by Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign in partnership with Featherstone Town Council

Click on the image to find out more and to view our image gallery

BENEFICIARIES 2026

To View Our Past Beneficiaries Please Click Here

BRANSBY HORSES

An honour to once again support Bransby Horses, a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming equines in need, providing a lifelong home at Bransby for those who need special care.  From abandoned ponies to neglected donkeys, we look after more than 900 equines, including several service horses who will remain in sanctuary care at Bransby Horses.

Through rescue, care and giving advice, we work tirelessly to create positive impacts on the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules and to create a world where all equines have the life they deserve.

WAGS RETIRED POLICE DOGS

For years, retired police dogs stood on the front line, tracking criminals, finding missing people and protecting both officers and the public. They served with courage, loyalty and unwavering dedication.

WAGS Retired Police Dogs ensures these canine   heroes are not forgotten when their working days are over. By helping to fund vital veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care, WAGS gives retired police dogs the comfort, dignity and quality of life they deserve.

THEY ALSO SERVED MEMORIAL FUND

A special fund established to create lasting tributes to the animals who served. Through the installation of memorial  benches, commemorative sculptures and other permanent memorials, we show our gratitude.

Our benches are now in place across the UK, and a life-size bronze service dog statue stands proudly at the Blackpool & Fylde Memorial Arboretum.  To   further this legacy one third of the funds raised through this year’s Purple Poppy Campaign will once again support this important work.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

New stocks of Murphy’s Army beautiful hand made purple poppies are now on sale!  You can choose from the traditional brooch version with pin back, or our specially designed animal version with Velcro fastening to attach to leads or collars. All hand made with love.
We will also have our  highly collectible 2025 Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy pin badge and a very special new pin badge. We have purple poppy wreaths, wristbands, dog collar charms, flags, tea towels and more! Visit our store to explore our collection.
Just follow the links to place your orders. Donations are also welcomed and greatly appreciated!

 

RETIRED SERVICE ANIMAL FAMILY

The Retired Service Animal Family is a collection of Charities and Organisations who are committed to helping former service animals in their retirement.  All  show passion and determination in helping to ensure that the animals who have served so bravely and loyally over the years are looked after when their service comes to an end.
We believe they also share the same ethos as that of Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign which is love and respect – not just for the animals but for each other too. Please take a look at the great work these organisations do by clicking on the link below.

NEWS & INFORMATION

VE Day 80 – Remembering the Unsung Heroes

VE Day 80 – Remembering the Unsung Heroes.
As the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaches, we remember all who served and sacrificed for our freedom – human and animal alike. During the Second World War, animals played vital roles, both on the front lines and at home, serving alongside their human counterparts. From horses and dogs to pigeons and cats, their loyalty and bravery saved countless lives. May their service never be forgotten…

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Important and Exciting News!

We are thrilled to share that, with the approval of the Charity Commission, and by Special Resolution on 12th April 2025, our charitable objectives have officially changed. Murphy’s Army is now entirely dedicated to celebrating and supporting the invaluable contributions of service animals — past, present, and future…

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International War Animal Day 2025

As Ambassadors of Animal Remembrance in the UK we are proud to mark International War Animal Day Honouring the contributions and sacrifices made by animals in conflicts throughout the years. May we never forget that they also...

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CELEBRITY BACKING

Our sincere thanks to the following celebrities, and their beautiful pets, who have supported the Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaigns to date. If you would like to join them and show your support please do get in touch.

The Late Paul O'Grady MBE

David Essex OBE

Arlene Philips DBE

Katherine Dow Blyton

Chesney Hawkes

Will Mellor

PHOTO GALLERY

Wearing their Murphy’s Army purple poppies with pride! Just some of the amazing pictures from our Purple Poppy Campaigns. Don’t forget to send us yours!

CONTACT US

If you would like to contact us please do so using the following contact form. May we res[respectfully ask however that you do not contact us regarding availability of the Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy pin badges or knitted poppies.  We will let you know via this site as soon as they are in stock.
Please remember, we’re a small team made up entirely of volunteers but we will respond as quickly as we can

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