Broadcaster Angela Rippon will attend a remembrance service for lost animals in war on behalf of horse and donkey charity Brooke on Friday 8 November 2024.
The service, which commemorates all the animals who served and sacrificed themselves during conflict, will take place at the Animals in War Memorial in Hyde Park in London.
“I’m honoured to support Brooke at such an important and moving service, a time to reflect and remember the service of millions of horses, donkeys and mules who went to war alongside our soldiers,” said Angela, who will lay a wreath during the service.
“Working equines are still the backbone of many communities throughout the developing world. I have long supported Brooke, having left a gift in my will to Brooke in 2018.”
The service, which has taken place each year since 2004, is organised by Petplan Charitable Trust. UK animal charities are invited to attend the service and pay their respects.
Well-known guests
Previous attendees have included Jilly Cooper, Sir Derek Jacobi and Annette Badland.
The Animals in War Memorial was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of World War I. It pays tribute to all animals that have served, suffered and died alongside British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century.
In World War I it is estimated that eight million horses, donkeys and mules gave their lives. Most equine survivors never returned home and endured hard labour.
Brooke’s founder, Dorothy Brooke’s, discovery that thousands of former British war horses were suffering in Egypt in 1930 was the catalyst that led to the charity being formed.
Dorothy opened the Old War Memorial Hospital to ensure the animals were treated with care, respect and compassion.
Today, Brooke’s work has expanded to support working animals across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Each November, Brooke encourages people to get involved in Every Horse Remembered Week (6-11 November), to honour the heroic war horses of the past and protect the millions still suffering.
