Royal British Legion events

Since 1921, the Royal British Legion has been supporting the Armed Forces community, including serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. These days, they organise and support a huge range of events and activities, providing great opportunities to get active outdoors while raising funds for their vital work.

Over 100 years of support

In the aftermath of the First World War, the Royal British Legion was created by amalgamating four organisations of ex-servicemen, including soldiers, sailors and other personnel. The very first Poppy Appeal was held that same year (1921) and sold out almost immediately, raising huge funds for the charity.

Over the past 100 years, the charity has grown and developed to provide a wide range of services for the Armed Forces community:

Supporting wounded, injured and sick personnel

Over 7,000 people have been treated at the Royal British Legion's 'Battle Back Centre' since it opened in 2009.

Find a new job after the Armed Forces

Employment support and grant schemes are available for ex-personnel.

Housing support and advice

For ex-personnel who face the risk of homelessness, the Royal British Legion provide advice and support on housing applications.

Dementia support

In 2021, the Royal British Legion provided high-quality personal, nursing and dementia care to 793 residents in their care homes.

Aiding financial pressures

Over 37,000 people were given support and advice by the charity's pop-in centres last year.

How can you help?

As well as their flagship Poppy Appeal, there are a wide range of ways to support the Royal British Legion in their vital work, including fantastic opportunities to get active outdoors. You may have a connection to the Armed Forces or just want to support their services.

The Royal British Legion organise and partner with some brilliant events, like Pedal to Paris and the Netherlands Liberation Trail. These multi-day cycling adventures take participants through historic fields and provide a truly unforgettable experience. The Pedal to Paris ride, for example, includes rolling road closures, motorcycle outriders and a grand finish down the Champs-Élysées!

You can also join a touching Poppy Walk where you are invited to personalise and plant your own poppy tribute in honour of someone you may have loved and lost, and in recognition of what others have given and sacrificed for us all.

Previous major adventures included the epic Arctic Survival Challenge, twhich saw intrepid explorers travel to Northern Sweden for eight days of survival training, dog-sledding and snowmobiling! This incredible experience featured camping in a snow hole, racing through frozen forests and much more.

There are opportunities to support the Royal British Legion at a wide range of events through a charity place, like the TCS London Marathon and Great North Run! By raising funds for the charity, you will receive dedicated training and fundraising support in return, including support on the day of the event.