Boots & Bivvies – Great Tommy Sleepout

This JustGiving page has been set up by Jay (Boonies Outdoors) and Ben Turner (Kent Recycle) in support of the Great Tommy Sleepout, raising awareness and funds for homeless veterans.

Ben and Jay have both supported this charity for several years. Last year, the two of us took part by completing the Three Peaks Challenge while sleeping out, and together we raised just over £5,000, becoming the charity’s top fundraisers that year.

After last year’s event, a number of people said they would like to be involved next time. Because of that, this year we’ve decided to open it up and do it as a group effort, with everyone fundraising through one shared JustGiving page.

Anyone taking part does not need to set up their own fundraising page. All donations go into this single pot, and all funds raised through this page go directly towards the Great Tommy Sleepout.

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What we’re doing

Those directly taking part will complete a 24-hour challenge on 7th March, consisting of:

• 24 miles

• Carrying 24kg

• 24 physical, mental and teamwork-based challenges

The challenge is designed to test resilience and mindset, while keeping the focus on why we’re doing this — to highlight the reality faced by veterans who find themselves homeless.

At the time of setting this up, around 20 people have already committed to taking part in some form. Our aim, as a group, is to raise more than the £5,000 that we raised last year as a pair.

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Why it matters

The Great Tommy Sleepout isn’t about competing or proving anything. It’s about putting yourself, however briefly, in an uncomfortable position to reflect on what many veterans experience daily, and to raise funds that help provide real support.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for contributing to the same shared fundraising pot.