Five years ago we here at The War Horse Memorial unveiled Poppy, our magnificent bronze horse, a national monument to stand for all time as a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice of equids in World War One.

It was the culmination of four years of planning. We did it with the help of guides and brownies, civic dignitaries, representatives from animal charities in the UK and the Commonwealth and families of old soldiers who had fought in the Great War. They gave precious artefacts which we buried at the base of the memorial.

It was the late Tony Pidgley CBE whose generosity provided funds to allow us to commission sculptor Susan Leyland to create her masterpiece. The Black Isle Bronze foundry in Nairn, Scotland, cast our giant horse.

We wanted Poppy to be more than just a memorial. By reintroducing the animal purple poppy* emblem once again as a symbol to remember animal victims of war, we have been able to support dozens of horse charities, animal welfare organisations and, through the Household Cavalry Foundation, injured soldiers, too.

The Covid pandemic made the past couple of years exceptionally challenging for us, as it has been for many fundraisng organisations. We were unable to generate a level of income we would have previously expected. Events had to be cancelled or postponed. Nevertheless, through your continued support we are beginning to see a slow growth to our funds. We believe, and we know many of you agree, it is important we do what we can to care for all animals. They have been there for us in times of conflict, it is only right we are there for them today.

If you wish to donate click here. You can also help us by visiting our shop. Read more about our story here.

• The Animal Purple Poppy Fund uses the Poppy® trademark under licence from the Royal British Legion, but is not endorsed by, or affiliated with or otherwise connected with the Royal British Legion.