Torquay funeral director appointed War Horse memorial ambassador

Charity War Horse Memorial has announced it has appointed a Torbay funeral director to its growing army of ambassadors that help honour the service of animals in war and support animals in need.

Sarah Lockton, a funeral director at Torbay and District Funeral Service in Torquay, has supported the organisation by selling purple poppy pin badges in nine funeral homes across Devon’s ‘English Riviera’, which are worn to remember animals who have fallen victim to war.

She began her career as a funeral operative and bearer and soon became a funeral arranger. She then trained as a funeral director and joined Torbay and District Funeral Service in 2013.

Alan Carr MBE, co-founder of War Horse Memorial, said: “As a funeral director, Sarah has a natural empathy with people who need her support at the most difficult of times, and her caring nature is extended to the welfare of animals.

“She understands the significant financial implications animal welfare charities are facing due to falling donations and the cancellation of public fundraising events. We are lucky to have her on board.”

Lockton added: “I came across the purple poppy pins a couple of years ago and quickly realised not many people are aware support is needed for thousands of animals still used in combat. Thousands of horses were loaded into trains at Paignton Station just a mile from our branch during World War I.

“I am a huge animal lover and helping this wonderful charity raise awareness as an ambassador is nothing short of an amazing opportunity.”