Charity group to aid homeless veterans faced ferocious conditions and destroyed tents at Dunnet Head sleep out
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A charity sleep out at the most northerly point on the British mainland was hit by horrific weather conditions over the weekend in a bid to raise money for homeless military veterans.
Moved by the plight of homeless veterans, Phil Boardman who is an ex-soldier and lives at Dunnet Head, took part in a bid to raise charity money for the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).
The Great Tommy Sleep Out is RBLI’s annual flagship fundraising event, as each year in March people across the UK sleep outdoors for one night or more to experience, in a small way, the reality of life for the UK’s estimated 6000 homeless veterans.
Phil, who moved to Dunnett Head in 2017 after he retired and owns Windhaven Camping and B&B, the most northerly site on the UK mainland, said: “I’m doing this as most of my family are in the forces, and I did a little bit in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment a very long time ago."
On Friday, March 1, Phil and seven friends got together at 4pm at the Windhaven site to sleep outside for two nights. The group comprised of Phil Boardman, George Pain, Ivor Thomas, Jo Taggart, Sara Armitage, Pauline Robson, Max Armitage, and Derrick McNeil.
Phil said: “I put a post out to locals to join The Great Tommy Sleep Out and we had eight people sleep out on Friday night which was a good number. The weather was ferocious and as we’d placed our tents at the northernmost part of the campsite three of the five tents were destroyed.
"Three of us completed the two nights sleeping outside, but we all salute those who have no choice but to sleep outside. We don’t yet know how much we’ve raised, but if it helps just one veteran who’s homeless that would be something. Let’s see what next year brings and how many more people sleep outside, as it would be great to have the oldest person join us."
On Saturday the group took part in a treasure hunt that was organised by Phil’s wife Clare. As they walked the 6.1 miles to Dunnet Head, following the grid references and clues that Clare had prepared, Jo Taggart donned a unicorn outfit to walk the final mile.
RBLI has a presence in Scotland at its Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company in Erskine where veterans and people with disabilities make the signs that line the nation’s roads and motorways.
If you would like to sponsor Phil Boardman and his group visit: www.facebook.com/donate/574539704890997/
The Great Tommy Sleep Out is open to individuals, groups, and companies. As everyone has different abilities, it’s up to the person or people taking part to pick their location, plan their night or nights sleeping outside, and fundraise.
