Hayling Island and The Great Tommy Sleep Out 2025
11 people started this journey and joined together for the 2025 Great Sleep Out For Tommy. Our aim was to raise funds and awareness for our homeless veterans. We wanted, in some small way, by sleeping out rough, to experience some of the circumstances and hardships our homeless veterans go through day and night, week after week, month after month. For those who slept out in 2 degrees that experience is branded onto our beings.
We were a mixed group ranging from a new Forces recruit in their early 20s, veterans and non-veterans, some who work with veterans to great grandparents in their 70s.
We, like most readers, take for granted that when we leave our bed each day it will be there ready for our return. It is so hard to imagine what leaving that behind and exchanging those comforts for a life of homelessness with all of it's dangers and disappointments is like. We all hope we never have to find out.
The Sleep Outers had the benefit of a safe place for our Sleep Out For Tommy which was kindly donated by Andy at Fishery Creek Touring Park. We had the benefit of Phil's medical cover generously donated by Hayling's First Responders. These are benefits our homeless veterans do not have. They often face danger, ill health and hunger.
We might question why we have homeless veterans, why they are left on the streets, but that is a big question with a seemingly complex answer. At ground level we, you and I, can actively help by supporting this great charity and this event by raising money, by raising awareness and perhaps by taking part next year. If you can donate please do via the link below.
Our group are very proud to say we have collectively raised over £1,600 for The Great Sleep Out For Tommy 2025.
Sadly homelessness does not go away so we turn ourselves towards next year. Could you join us for The Great Sleep Out For Tommy 2026 on Hayling Island. Please leave your details with
Tina Hill tel: 07894 331710
Donations to: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-o54kx7o671518?sfnsn=scwspwa