Six people have raised more than £1,000 for homeless veterans by spending a night sleeping outside in Dagenham.

Members of the Becontree and Chadwell Heath branch of the Royal British Legion took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out outside their branch on Friday (March 31).

The Great Tommy Sleep Out is an annual campaign run by the Royal British Legion on one night in March to raise awareness about veterans who are sleeping rough.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Six members of the Becontree and Chadwell Heath branch of the Royal British Legion took part in The Great Tommy Sleep OutSix members of the Becontree and Chadwell Heath branch of the Royal British Legion took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out (Image: Daron Humphreys)

Branch secretary James Hepworth said: “It was very wet to start off with and then it did dry out over the night but because of the amount of rain there was, the dew that came between 4 and 5 o’clock made us all soaking wet.

“It wasn’t cold but the moisture did make us wet and it makes you realise that you wouldn’t want to spend two, three nights outside under any circumstances.

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“We’re lucky that we got a bit wet, our bedding got a bit wet, but we can go away and dry it at home whereas they can’t and it’s difficult for them to keep things dry.”

The branch is raising money for Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), a charity providing emergency housing and supported living, as well as counselling and support, to veterans.

According to James, RBLI has seen an increase of 45 per cent in the demand for help and support in the past year.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Member Daron Humphreys slept outside with the teamMember Daron Humphreys slept outside with the team (Image: Daron Humphreys)

 

Barking and Dagenham Post: The Great Tommy Sleep Out takes place by Royal British Legion members annuallyThe Great Tommy Sleep Out takes place by Royal British Legion members annually (Image: Daron Humphreys)

James said: “We learnt a few things – how much it can impact on your life and if you’re there for several nights or you can’t see any change in your circumstances that’s got to be tough.

“And [these people] can’t necessarily go back to the same spot every night - you’ve got to rely on people to give you stuff, you can’t pick and choose what you eat, shops and cafes don’t necessarily make them welcome if they do want to go in.”