This March, Eden Camp, the modern history museum in North Yorkshire, is supporting the annual Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) The Great Tommy Sleep Out, in support of military veterans facing homelessness.
On Saturday 21st March, a dedicated team of Eden Camp veterans and supporters will take part in the Great Tommy Sleepout, spending a night under the stars to raise vital funds for the RBLI.
Taking place within the historic grounds of Eden Camp in Malton, the event will see five Eden Camp veterans – Gavin Pickering, Lee White, Wayne McMahon, Alistair Candelin, and Adrian Wood – joined by Jill Winters, a veteran and nurse, embracing the cold in solidarity with those who have fallen on hard times. So far, the team has raised over £5000 for the cause over the last two years with online and cash donations, and this year they would like to match their total to support this vital cause.
The Great Tommy Sleepout is an annual initiative that raises awareness of the struggles many veterans encounter after leaving service, particularly the challenges of homelessness and mental health issues. By braving the elements for one night, participants aim to highlight the hardships faced by thousands of former service personnel while raising much-needed funds to provide housing, employment support, and welfare services through RBLI.
Gavin Pickering, veteran & Eden Camp site services, said: “Taking part in the Great Tommy Sleepout is something very personal to me. As veterans we understand the challenges that can come after leaving the Armed Forces. Sleeping out for one night is nothing compared to what some are forced to endure, but if it helps raise awareness and funds to support our fellow veterans, then it is absolutely worth it.”
Nick Hill, Museum Manager at Eden Camp, said: “At Eden Camp, we’re proud of our strong connections to the Armed Forces community. Supporting the Great Tommy Sleepout reflects our ongoing commitment to honouring service and standing by veterans beyond their time in uniform. We are incredibly proud of our team for stepping up to make a difference and shine a light on an issue that deserves national attention.”
To donate or to find out more about Eden Camp visit, https://edencamp.co.uk/GreatTommySleepout
To find out more about the vital work RBLI does visit, https://rbli.co.uk/
