Girl, 6, launches appeal as dad 'unbelievably proud' of one of Britain's youngest poppy sellers

A six-year-old girl has launched an appeal as her father said he was "unbelievably proud" of one of Britain's youngest poppy sellers.

The 2026 Poppy Appeal was launched in Manchester on Thursday by one of Britain's youngest collectors, Ivy Knighton-Leake from Bradford.

During the event, Private Katie Brazier, 22, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, presented the patriot with a unique poppy crafted from the metal of Second World War Spitfires.

Ivy said the moment she received the gift was "really special". Meanwhile, Private Brazier described meeting the young fundraiser as "incredible", adding: "It's an absolute privilege."

Further launch events took place across the country on Thursday, with Royal Navy, Army and RAF representatives delivering specially made poppies to forces families in North Wales, Shropshire and London.

Ivy has been selling poppies alongside her father Steve Knighton, 41, a former Royal Signals soldier, since 2024.

The Royal British Legion helped Mr Knighton adjust to civilian life after he left the Army following six years of service.

He said he was "unbelievably proud" of his daughter.

Mr Knighton said: "Ivy got herself involved. I showed her that I was going to be going and collecting and she saw the stalls a couple of years ago and she said 'can I join you, can I have a poppy shop?'"

Ivy said she volunteered for her dad, who is "funny, caring, kind and bad at story time".

Mr Knighton said: "As an ex-serviceperson it's really important to me and I also benefitted from the services of the British Legion when I first left the military, so I feel like I owe a debt to them and I'm paying it back."

This year's appeal has focused on the sacrifices made by Armed Forces' families who support loved ones in uniform.

Mr Knighton said: "Being away for long periods of time is difficult. You can be on tour for six to eight months at a time, away from your family with very little contact, so it's really important that families are supported throughout that."

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Ivy's mother Kimberley Leake said: "It's so important to me: I had a father and grandfathers who served in the military and (it is) keeping that connection alive for the younger generation to know important the appeal is."

Dame Joanna Lumley, whose father was a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, is also backing the campaign.

She said: "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."

The Poppy Appeal was first established in 1921 and this year aims to raise more than £50 million for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Poppy Appeal director Lucy Inskip said: "This year, we're proud to be highlighting that when someone serves, their family serves too, recognising the families behind those who serve and the unique sacrifices they make.

"We want to encourage the public to go out and show their support for the appeal this year.

"From short-term relief to lifelong support, your donation enables the RBL to help the armed forces and their families, whatever the need, whenever it's needed."

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A six-year-old girl has launched an appeal as her father said he was "unbelievably proud" of one of Britain's youngest poppy sellers.

The 2026 Poppy Appeal was launched in Manchester on Thursday by one of Britain's youngest collectors, Ivy Knighton-Leake from Bradford.

During the event, Private Katie Brazier, 22, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, presented the patriot with a unique poppy crafted from the metal of Second World War Spitfires.

Ivy said the moment she received the gift was "really special". Meanwhile, Private Brazier described meeting the young fundraiser as "incredible", adding: "It's an absolute privilege."

Further launch events took place across the country on Thursday, with Royal Navy, Army and RAF representatives delivering specially made poppies to forces families in North Wales, Shropshire and London.

Ivy has been selling poppies alongside her father Steve Knighton, 41, a former Royal Signals soldier, since 2024.

The Royal British Legion helped Mr Knighton adjust to civilian life after he left the Army following six years of service.

He said he was "unbelievably proud" of his daughter.

Mr Knighton said: "Ivy got herself involved. I showed her that I was going to be going and collecting and she saw the stalls a couple of years ago and she said 'can I join you, can I have a poppy shop?'"

Ivy said she volunteered for her dad, who is "funny, caring, kind and bad at story time".

Mr Knighton said: "As an ex-serviceperson it's really important to me and I also benefitted from the services of the British Legion when I first left the military, so I feel like I owe a debt to them and I'm paying it back."

This year's appeal has focused on the sacrifices made by Armed Forces' families who support loved ones in uniform.

Mr Knighton said: "Being away for long periods of time is difficult. You can be on tour for six to eight months at a time, away from your family with very little contact, so it's really important that families are supported throughout that."

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Ivy's mother Kimberley Leake said: "It's so important to me: I had a father and grandfathers who served in the military and (it is) keeping that connection alive for the younger generation to know important the appeal is."

Dame Joanna Lumley, whose father was a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, is also backing the campaign.

She said: "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."

The Poppy Appeal was first established in 1921 and this year aims to raise more than £50 million for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Poppy Appeal director Lucy Inskip said: "This year, we're proud to be highlighting that when someone serves, their family serves too, recognising the families behind those who serve and the unique sacrifices they make.

"We want to encourage the public to go out and show their support for the appeal this year.

"From short-term relief to lifelong support, your donation enables the RBL to help the armed forces and their families, whatever the need, whenever it's needed."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter