'A true honour' - Marston’s pubs across Fylde coast launch limited-edition Poppy Appeal glasses

Marston’s is joining forces with the Royal British Legion (RBL) for the third year running to raise funds for the annual Poppy Appeal, with 29 pubs across Lancashire taking part in this year’s campaign.

The nationwide Raise a Glass initiative will run across more than 1,134 Marston’s pubs, including 125 in the North West, helping to raise funds and awareness for the charity. At the heart of the campaign is a collection of limited-edition commemorative glasses featuring exclusive artwork by Army veteran and award-winning artist Jane Wilkes.

Available in participating pubs from October 23 until November 11, the glasses feature Wilkes’ interpretation of the poppy alongside the words "We Will Remember Them". Pint glasses cost £3.50, with £1.26 from each sale donated to the Royal British Legion. Half-pint glasses cost £3, with 85p from each sale going to the charity.

Last year’s partnership raised more than £128,000, with organisers hoping to generate even greater support for members of the Armed Forces community and their families.

Veteran artist behind commemorative design

Wilkes, 50, from Shrewsbury, served for 15 years in the Army’s Adjutant General’s Corps, completing operational tours in Macedonia, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. During her final deployment, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and flown home for treatment.

While recovering, she received support through the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Recovery Centre before taking part in its Recovery Through the Arts programme. The experience helped her rediscover her confidence and creativity, and she has since become an award-winning artist.

Jane Wilkes said: "It is a true honour to have designed Marston's and the Royal British Legion's commemorative glasses for this year's Poppy Appeal and to play a part in raising essential funds and awareness."

She added: "The Royal British Legion supported me during one of the most difficult periods of my life, helping me rebuild my confidence and discover what I was still capable of after my treatment.

“Seeing my artwork brought to life on these glasses was incredibly special, and I hope people across the country will join me in raising a glass this November in support of veterans and the Armed Forces community."

New ‘Pass the Poppy’ initiative

Alongside the commemorative glassware, Marston’s is introducing Pass the Poppy, a new initiative that will see a specially created 3D-printed poppy travel between pubs across the country from October 23 to November 11.

The initiative aims to encourage people to pause, reflect and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces while supporting veterans and their families.

Jen Monaghan, senior campaign and partnerships manager at Marston’s, said: "Over the last two years, we've been incredibly proud of the support shown by our guests, pub teams and local communities for Raise a Glass."

She added: "This year's glasses carry a powerful and deeply personal design from Jane, whose story perfectly demonstrates the life-changing impact of the Royal British Legion's work."

Monaghan said: "With the introduction of Pass the Poppy, we're creating even more opportunities for communities to come together, show their support and remember those who have served. We hope people will visit their local participating pub, raise a glass and help us make this year's campaign our most successful yet."