A 12-year-old who raises money for the homeless recently spent a night sleeping rough to experience what it might be like firsthand.
Ollie Ford, of Weston, was joined by mum Sarah, district councillor and Ingrid Sheard and Vanessa Browning of the Community Helping Hands charity, recently when they slept out in an area of the town where homeless people have been known to stay.
In the last few years he’s raised over £3,000 for Framework and The Lighthouse Project.
“Ollie was using pocket money to buy Christmas presents for those less fortunate and its grown from there,” said Sarah. “He’s been helping out with The Lighthouse Project and is again set to help on Christmas Day with them this time.
“He wanted to experience what it was like.”
So Ollie and the three adults took part in the recent Big Sleep Out initiative.
“I like helping people,” said Ollie. “I don’t think anyone should not have to sleep outside when there are buildings empty.
“Everyone deserves a place to go to sleep.”
While the adults failed to get much sleep outside, Ollie admits he actually slept well, but still got an idea of the hardships those living rough face.
Vanessa Browning said: “Ollie is just an amazing young man and he’s raised so much money for charity.
“It was freezing trying to sleep out there and I couldn’t get comfortable.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarah-ford-695?utm_term=8YRdm462g
