Peterlee firefighters sleep out in aid of homeless veterans

Ten members of the Blue Watch team from Peterlee, part of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out on Sunday (March 29) raising £1,285 for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RVBE), a charity supporting ex-servicemen and women across the UK.

The crew camped at a site in County Durham using only basic gear, aiming to better understand the challenges faced by those without shelter.

The crew camped at a site in County Durham using only basic gear. (Image: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

Anthony Matthias, 54, watch manager at Peterlee, said: “The sleep out went really well.

“We pitched five tents and one tarp to accommodate everyone.

“The temperature got down to around 3°C and we had rain and gusts of wind all night.

“But being uncomfortable made you appreciate what it’s like to be homeless and not able to sleep in a comfortable bed.”

The funds raised will go towards safe housing, mental health support, and job opportunities for veterans through the RVBE.

Donations are being collected until the end of April – to donate visit socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-wx5mm681nmo50

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Mr Matthias said: “We would like to thank all those people who have taken the time and trouble to contribute to the charity.

“These vital funds for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RVBE) will help to provide safe homes, mental health support, employment opportunities, and communities where veterans can support each other.

“We also want to give a shout out to the owner of the permissive camp spot for allowing us to use their land.”