Newtown firefighters to sleep out in aid of homeless veterans

Two Mid and West Wales firefighters will spend a night sleeping outdoors in Newtown town centre next month to support veterans facing homelessness.

Station Manager, Paul Armes and Crew Manager, Simon Church, from the Northern Division of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, will take part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out on Saturday, March 28.

The national campaign is organised by Royal British Legion Industries and sees individuals and groups give up a night of comfort each March to raise awareness and funds for ex-service personnel who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Thousands of veterans across the UK are estimated to be facing homelessness. Funds raised through the campaign help provide safe accommodation, mental health support and pathways back to independent living.

Speaking ahead of the event, Station Manager Armes said supporting the cause was personal to him.

“Many of my family members have served in the Armed Forces, so supporting veterans is something very close to my heart,” he said.

“Taking part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a small way I can help raise awareness and funds for those who have given so much and now find themselves facing homelessness.”

The pair will spend the night outdoors in the town centre as part of the wider UK-wide initiative.

Residents who wish to support their efforts can donate via the firefighters’ JustGiving page, with all proceeds going directly to The Great Tommy Sleep Out campaign.