Supporting Our Veterans – The Great Tommy Sleep Out

We are Phil Leath-Dawson (Vice Chairman) and Victoria Leath-Dawson (Company Secretary), proudly representing the Metalforming Machinery Makers Association (MMMA).

During the month of March 2026, we’re taking on The Great Tommy Sleep Out. For one night, we will be sleeping outside to raise vital funds for Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and to shine a light on the reality of homelessness faced by ex-servicemen and women.

Too many of our veterans are sleeping rough on the streets, cold, vulnerable, and often forgotten. These are individuals who once put on a uniform, stood on the front line, and made sacrifices to protect us and our freedom. No one who has given so much should be left without a safe place to call home.

It’s only one night for us, but for many veterans, it’s every night.

Why People Become Homeless?

Homelessness can happen to anyone. The truth is, most of us are only one paycheck away from losing our homes. A sudden crisis can push people over the edge.

Some of the most common reasons include:

Family breakdown or bereavement – losing a loved one or going through a relationship breakdown can remove both emotional and financial support.

Job loss or financial struggles – redundancy, illness, or rising living costs can quickly spiral into losing accommodation.

Poor mental health – without the right care and support, people can struggle to hold onto work or housing.

Leaving the armed forces – while many transition well, some veterans face difficulties adjusting to civilian life, coping with trauma, or finding employment. Without support, they can fall into homelessness.

📌 The facts:

In the UK, charities estimate that one in five people experiencing homelessness are veterans.

Around 4,000 veterans are homeless or at risk of homelessness each year.

People don’t choose this life, it comes from circumstances outside their control.

Our Personal Story

When we first got together, we had both left relationships behind. For a short while, we even slept in a tent together for a couple of weeks. It was far from easy, but it taught us something powerful: when you have each other, you have everything.

We had love, hope, and the strength to get through, but the sad truth is that many people facing homelessness, including our veterans, are completely alone. No partner to lean on, no one to share the burden, and no safe place to rest their head.

That is why this cause touches us so deeply. We know what it feels like to start again with almost nothing, but we also know the difference love and support can make.

Why RBLI Matters

Royal British Legion Industries has been helping those in need for over 100 years, providing life-changing support not only to the armed forces community, but also to individuals with disabilities and those who have become unemployed.

Their work ensures that vulnerable veterans have housing, employment opportunities, and a pathway back to independence. Supporting RBLI means giving back to those who once stood up for us.

How You Can Help

We’d love your support in helping us make a difference. Please consider donating, sharing this page, and standing with us in support of our veterans.

✨ Why this matters to us and MMMA:

As part of the Metalforming Machinery Makers Association (MMMA), we are proud to stand alongside our members and industry colleagues to make a difference. This is more than just fundraising; it’s about dignity, respect, and hope for those who once gave everything for us.

Let’s stand up for those who stood up for us.

🙏 Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Phil and Victoria

Metalforming Machinery Makers Association (MMMA)