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Eden Camp 'sleep out' raises more than £2,300 for war veterans

The Great Tommy Sleep Out at Eden Camp.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum has raised more than £2,300 for veterans after hosting its 'Great Tommy Sleep Out.'

The Great Tommy Sleep Out saw four Eden Camp veterans sleep out in the cold for one night on 30th March.

They were able to raise £2,387 to help support RLBI’s efforts to support vulnerable veterans, who sadly often find themselves homeless.

Near-freezing temperatures left a lasting memory for veterans Gavin Pickering, Lee White, Wayne McMahon and Alistair Candelin who took part.

They were also joined by Jill Winters, veteran and nurse, and her mum Sue Winters.

Gavin said:

"The sad truth is there are a lot of veterans when leaving the forces have difficulties with their mental health which often leads to homelessness and substance addiction. 

"The RBLI make a real difference to these veterans who desperately need their help and the sleep out is a great way to raise awareness and support this vital cause."

The group became one of the top fundraisers for the cause, with every penny raised going directly to RBLI’s wide range of services providing a home, welfare and employment support to military veterans.

RBLI, which is a separate charity to the Royal British Legion, provides a home to more than 300 veterans and their families through its Kent village, including homeless veterans through their emergency accommodation Mountbatten Pavilion.

At the heart of the village is the charity’s social enterprise factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, which provides employment opportunities to veterans and people with disabilities. 

Visit www.rbli.co.uk to find out more about the vital work RBLI does to support the nations heroes.

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