News & Updates
Pass the Poppy hits the road for 1,100-mile journey across Britain in support of Royal British Legion
24th October 2026
Marston’s Pass the Poppy challenge is underway, taking a specially created 3D poppy on a 20-day journey across our pub estate in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Starting on 23rd October and finishing on Remembrance Day, the poppy is travelling from pub to pub across the country, with our teams and communities coming together to support each leg of the journey while organising local fundraising events along the way.
A memorable start in Darlington
The poppy’s journey was kicked off by a very special guest, 106-year-old World War Two veteran Howard Hodgson, who was our guest of honour at the Springfield in Darlington.
Arriving at the pub in an army issue Land Rover, Howard joined the Springfield team and local community for an afternoon of fundraising, wartime songs, shared stories and remembrance.
There was another milestone to celebrate too. With Howard turning an incredible 107 next month, his care home arranged for 107 birthday cards from people and places across Darlington to be presented to him at the pub.
A fitting start to the poppy’s journey, and a powerful example of how pubs can bring communities together to share stories and mark moments that matter.
Taking the poppy from community to community
From Darlington, the poppy is making its way through Marston’s five operating divisions - North, Midlands, East, South East and South West - before finishing at the Otter in Newbridge, South Wales, on Remembrance Day.
Along the route, Marston’s teams and local communities are finding their own ways to move the poppy between pubs, with veterans, bikers, runners and walkers all helping it on its way.
Each stop is an opportunity for pubs to do what they do best: bring people together. From veterans’ breakfasts and community raffles to remembrance quizzes, live music and special handovers, pubs across the route are putting their own stamp on the challenge while raising vital funds for the Royal British Legion.
By the time it reaches the end of its journey on 11th November, the poppy will have travelled more than 1,100 miles across the Marston’s estate, connecting pubs and communities with one shared purpose.
Pass the Poppy forms part of our wider Raise a Glass campaign, which is now in its third year, having raised more than £220,000 to date in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.