TEN former armed forces veterans from Wiltshire have slept out under the stars to help raise over £1,300 for some of their homeless colleagues.
The veterans took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out in Westbury Gardens in Bradford on Avon on Saturday, March 30.
The event was organised by the Bradford on Avon Armed Forces and Veterans Club to support a national Royal British Legion appeal.
Christine Giles, of BoA Armed Forces and Veterans Club, said: “The aim was to raise vital funds to give homeless veterans a safe place to call home.
“The challenge doesn’t replicate rough sleeping but it does give you an idea of the situation far too many of the nation’s heroes find themselves in.”
Each of the ten veterans stood guard for one hour during the night to keep their colleagues safe while they slept.
They were only allowed to bring sleeping bags and bivvies and were not allowed to bring alcohol, play music or light a barbecue.
The group were entertained by piper Tony Beauchamp, plus a bugler and the Silvertones band before bedding down for the night.
One of those who took part was former RAF Corporal Neil Middlemore who said: “It stayed dry but it was quite cold and uncomfortable.
“I managed to get some sleep but three of the veterans decided to stay up all night. Some crazy people around the country have slept out every night in March.
“We had one man who walked by with his dog at 4.30am and donated. We’d like to give a massive thanks to the residents of Bradford on Avon for their generosity.”
The national RBL appeal has been very successful and has so far raised more than £1 million to support more than 6,000 homeless veterans.
The RBL said: “Recent global events have deeply impacted military veterans right across the nation and we have seen a 45 per cent increase in the demand for our services for homeless veterans over the past year alone.
“The cost-of-living crisis is already having an impact and young, single, male veterans, in particular, can struggle to access social housing and many find themselves living on the streets.
“It can be impossible to secure employment without a fixed address, plunging them into worsening financial troubles and serious mental health struggles.”
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