The first week of March is seeing thousands of RBLI’s fundraisers braving icy temperatures to take part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out, the national campaign which supports the charity’s vital work with homeless veterans.
On Monday 3 March, business leaders from sponsors BAE Systems and Barratt Redrow, and from campaign supporters FirstPort, took part in their first Sleep Out of the year.
The group, which has raised more than £50,000 to date, spent the night on board the deck of HMS Cavalier, a former Royal Navy Destroyer based at the Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Alongside RBLI staff, including Gurkha veteran Ash Alexander-Cooper, one of RBLI’s ambassadors, participants didn’t enjoy the comforts of bunks on the ship, however: they slept out on the deck, under the stars, with just a tarpaulin and cardboard for cover.
David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Redrow, said:
“The year-round work RBLI do on behalf of our Armed Forces veterans is incredible, which is why we are a long-term supporter and a founding patron of the Tommy Club. We wish everyone well in this year’s The Great Tommy Sleep Out!”
Simon Thorpe, Head of Site Services at BAE Systems, also took part in the event. He added:
“As an RAF veteran, I know how difficult it can be for some people to adjust to civilian life after serving. Our armed forces make sacrifices every day, so spending one night on HMS Cavalier is a small but meaningful act to build awareness for those who’ve given so much for our country.”
There are thousands of veterans who are currently homeless or without a safe place to call home. RBLI provides accommodation for veterans of all three services from all over the UK, and The Great Tommy Sleep Out will boost its efforts to reach even more of those who need assistance.
Lisa Farmer, CEO of Royal British Legion Industries, said:
“We’re hugely indebted not just to David, Simon and all their colleagues who will be sleeping out and raising funds later this month, but also to the thousands of people all over the UK who are taking part.
“It means a huge amount to me that so many people are getting behind an issue I am passionate about. Those who have served their country deserve our help, especially if they find themselves without a home. At RBLI we are building new accommodation for veterans, and this support will mean we can help many more to have a better future – something they deserve.”
There is still time if you would like to join in The Great Tommy Sleep Out. You can take part with a group of friends or colleagues, or at home in the garden with your family. Fill in the form www.rbli.co.uk/sleepout and you’ll receive a free Beanie hat to keep warm on your Sleep Out night!
RBLI sends its thanks to the Historic Dockyard Chatham for supporting the HMS Cavalier Sleep Out, and to Shepherd Neame for providing breakfast for participants.
HMS Cavalier, built in 1943, was in service for nearly 30 years and was awarded the accolade of fastest ship in the Navy. Now used as a film location and tourist attraction, Chatham Dockyard was founded in the mid-1500s. More than 400 ships and submarines were built there, including HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar.
