MURPHY'S ARMY PURPLE POPPY CAMPAIGN

Support us

DAVID ESSEX O.B.E.

“A great campaign that I’m pleased to support”
See who else supports us

KATHERINE DOW BLYTON

“I’m delighted to support Murphy’s Army

and their Purple Poppy campaign”

CHESNEY HAWKES

“These animals are soldiers too, giving their lives and saving lives in the process.
I am happy and proud to support a charity that recognises
the gift these animals give to us all”

MURPHY’S ARMY –

AMBASSADORS OF ANIMAL REMEMBRANCE IN THE UK

#THEY ALSO SERVED

Launched in 2016, Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign pays tribute to animals lost in service, and to those who serve us today.

The purple poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance for animals lost in service but until recently was much less well known than the traditional red poppy.  The aim of our Campaign is to give the purple poppy its rightful recognition, and thus ensure that the animals who served, and continue to serve, alongside their human counterparts are not forgotten.

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. None of this would have happened without our amazing supporters!

Thanks to this wonderful support we are proud to have raised over £150,000 which has helped former Service animals in their retirement.   It has also provided life-saving pet oxygen masks to Fire Services around the UK, and much welcomed cooling coats to Police, Prison, Fire and other Service dog. Every penny really has made a difference!

 Our 2023 Campaign will soon be underway and we’re delighted to partner with two very special charities who will benefit from funds raised.  They are the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, and The Horse Trust. We really have a very exciting year ahead, and we hope you’ll lend your support once again to make it a great success.

To everyone who has lent their support thus far, thank you, and to new supporters, welcome – together we will ensure that the contributions made, and continuing to be made by the animals are not forgotten, but remembered always. 

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

BENEFICIARIES 2023

To View Our Past Beneficiaries Please Click Here

NFRSA

The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals is aregistered charity set up to promote the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family, namely that of the police, fire, border force and prison services.  It supports the owners of retired dogs and horses by helping with veterinary bills and ongoing care

The NFRSA also helps the existing local charities who have already been working incredibly hard to provide this vital support, by promoting their work and sign-posting those who need help, or would like to offer help, to the established organisations.

For more information please visit their website nfrsa.orrg.uk

MAPPC

This year sees a slight change to the way in which our funds will be distributed.  Previously around one-third of the monies raised has benefitted our own charity Murphy’s Army to help animals in need on a general basis through our network of rescue organisations.  As our Purple Poppy Campaign grow however a reserve is needed to fund the cost of merchandise, packing materials, postage and other essential costs.  In 2023 therefore the former Murphy’s Army share will be retained by MAPPC with adjustments in 2024 when the reserve is established.

To find out more about the work of Murphy’s Army please visit  murphysarmy.org

The Horse Trust

For 136 years The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses has specialised in providing retirement and respite for working horses and ponies.  These hard-working equine public servants have served our nation in the Police, the Army or with charities which use horses to help people

We also provide sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys who have suffered from cruelty or neglect and who are in desperate need of specialist treatment and care.  More information about our work can be found at horsetrust.org.uk

They Also Served Memorial Fund

Launched in 2022 this is a very special fund from which we hope to create a memorial for Service animals.  As helping them in retirement remains our priority, only a small proportion of funds raised will go towards this.  We will of course keep you posted as it builds…

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

New stocks of Murphy’s Army beautiful hand made purple poppies are now on sale!  You can choose from the traditional ‘human’ version with pin back, or our specially designed animal version with Velcro fastening to attach to leads or collars.
We will soon be revealing our 2023 Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy pin badge, a very special design this year, plus we have an extensive range of additional MAPPC merchandise to help you show your support.
Just follow the links to place your orders. Alternatively, you can make a donation, also very much appreciated.

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.

Paul O'Grady MBE

David Essex OBE

Arlene Philips DBE

Ben Fogle

Simon Mulvey

Will Mellor

Chesney Hawkes

Katherine Dow Blyton

Andy Pelos

Billy Norman

Romeo Challenger

Rob Hewins

Ray Hatfield

Dean Loach

SHOWADDYWADDY

NEWS & INFORMATION

Purple Poppy Day 23rd August 2023 #PurplePoppyDay

Purple Poppy Day 23rd August 2023 #PurplePoppyDay

Aug 17, 2023

As Official Ambassadors of Animal Remembrance in the UK, Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign invites you to mark Purple Poppy Day with them   Our campaign, which is run throughout the year, remembers not only animals lost in service, but pays tribute to those who serve us today, protecting us and keeping us safe in so many different ways . Please join us in showing your support…

read more
The Meaning of the Purple Poppy & Where To Buy 2023

The Meaning of the Purple Poppy & Where To Buy 2023

Apr 17, 2023

The purple poppy is a symbol of remembrance for animals lost in Service but was little known until Murphy’s Army launched our Purple Poppy Campaign back in 2016. We felt that it was only right that the animals should be remembered, alongside their human counterparts, and thus our journey to inform and educate began. We remember not only the animals lost, but pay tribute to those who serve us today – working alongside our Emergency Services, in the Military, Prisons and Border Forces – keeping us safe in so many different ways…

read more
All news & Information

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!
PD Stella
Jasper
Horse 2
Cody
View the whole gallery

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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