Six-year-old Bradford girl helps launch 2026 Poppy Appeal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 12:20 · Archive

Ivy Knighton-Leake, six, from Bradford, has helped launch the Royal British Legion's 2026 Poppy Appeal at an event in Manchester. She received a special poppy made from the metal of Second World War Spitfires, presented by Pte Katie Brazier, 22, from the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Ivy's father Steve Knighton was a member of the Royal Signals and served in the Army for six years. He was supported by the Royal British Legion after leaving the military. Ivy began taking part in the appeal in 2024 after seeing her father collecting and asking if she could have her own poppy shop.

Steve 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?'" He added that being away from family for long periods on deployment is difficult, with tours lasting six to eight months with very little contact.

This year's appeal focuses on armed forces families and the challenges they face supporting loved ones who serve. The appeal was first launched in 1921. Ivy sells poppies at her local Tesco with her mother Kimberley and father Steve.

How it is being reported

• Poppy seller, 6, launches annual appealIvy, from Bradford, takes part in the annual fundraiser each year with her father Steve.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 22 Oct, 11:31
• Six-year-old Bradford girl helps launch 2026 Poppy AppealA SIX-YEAR-OLD fundraiser has helped launch this year’s Poppy AppealTelegraph & Argus · 22 Oct, 11:15

In this story: Ivy Knighton-Leake · Steve Knighton · Katie Brazier · Royal British Legion · Bradford · Manchester

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