A KINGSHURST Navy veteran took on his greatest fear and slept among thousands of showroom dummies dressed as First World War soldiers to raise funds.
Paul ‘Pablo’ Sultana took on the challenge at an RAF base at the weekend to raise funds for The Great Tommy Sleepout.
The fundraising campaign – run by The Royal British Legion – rasies funds and awareness for over 6,000 veterans experiencing homelessness across the UK.
And he says he’s looking forward to his next challenge on March 22 – when he will be heading 2,000-foot up a Welsh Mountain for a sleepout.
Pablo said: “As an ex Royal Navy Veteran, I know only too true the difficulties faced by our ex service heroes once they have left the service of their country.
“One only has to speak to people on the streets facing homelessness and dependency problems to realise a large number of them have served their country.”
Pablo smashed his original fundraising target but wants to raise as much as he can.
So far he has raised £282 for The Great Tommy Sleepout.
All of the money raised for the sleepout campaign goes towards the legion’s services including providing homes, welfare and employment support to military veterans.
Lisa Farmer, the Royal British Legion’s chief executive said, “The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women who find themselves without a home when they return to civilian life.
“Part of the support we provide to the country’s most vulnerable veterans is homes for those who were street homeless.
“The veterans who live in our emergency accommodation have access to welfare and healthcare support, employment training and work experience to help them on the road to independence after leaving the Armed Forces.
“This is an important issue, and we are working with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to reduce veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.
“I’d like to thank everyone participating for helping us in our ambition by taking part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out and sleeping outdoors for one night in March.
“Not only are they raising vital funds for our work, but also shedding light on veteran homelessness.”
For more about Pablo’s efforts or to donate to his fundriaisng efforts click here.
