On Sunday, March 29, The Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust (BABT) spent a night outdoors while fundraising for the Great Tommy Appeal, which supports veterans needing practical and mental health support.
READ MORE: Southbourne beach weekend sleepout event for veteran mental health and homelessness
BABT hosting the Great Tommy Sleepout 2026 (Image: BABT)
BABT set a fundraising target of £100 but far surpassed expectations, raising more than £2,000.
Bob Perry, a trustee of BABT, said: “In true military fashion we all mucked in, helping each other assemble tents and shelters, before it got dark.
“We had a young soldiers son aged seven with us, and at 71 yrs of age I was the oldest!
“The important thing was that we raised awareness of homelessness within the veteran community as being a very real problem.”
BABT hosting a night spent on the beach for The Great Tommy Appeal (Image: BABT)
Sixteen people in total took part in the challenge on the windy south coast.
Participants said they relied on a mix of camping gear and military equipment to endure the night, drawing on their service backgrounds to prepare for the harsh conditions.
Craig Waylen, a BABT member who served 24 years in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, said: “On Sunday are biggest challenges was the gale force wind and cold.
“A regular challenge for the homeless.
“The special comradery and spirit of military veterans generated an amazing atmosphere, from stories to singing into the night.
“When the sun rose and everyone started to appear despite the tiredness there was huge smiles and an immense feeling of achievement.
“The bacon roll and cup of tea was a very welcoming sight.”
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BABT hosting a night spent on the beach for The Great Tommy Appeal (Image: BABT)
For many, taking part in the Great Tommy Sleepout meant much more than just fundraising for a good cause.
BABT members say the group provides them with the chance to reconnect with the veteran community and find support during tough times.
Martin Taylor, also a member of BABT who took part in the Great Tommy Sleepout said the weekly group meetings have “probably saved his life”.
Mr Taylor said: “We will have all camped out a lot during our time in the armed forces, often in horrible wet and cold or hot conditions.
“Sunday night’s sleep out was a lot more fun than being on a night exercise.
“I started going (to BABT meet ups) after a very difficult and dark period of my life and being able to enjoy and contribute to our veterans family on the beach has probably saved my life.”
The Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust said it hosts regular meet ups every Tuesday and Thursday at their Boatshed base on Southbourne beach.