Weston fundraiser Ollie Ford ,12, completes Big Sleep Out raising awareness about homelessness
An inspirational 12-year-old slept outside for a night to raise awareness about homelessness and doubled his fundraising goal.
Ollie Ford, from Weston took part in the Big Sleep Out to experience what it felt like for someone sleeping rough and has raised nearly £1,000 - twice the amount anticipated.
The youngster’s challenge — which involved sleeping out from 10pm until 6am — saw him accompanied by Community Helping Hands’ Vanessa Browning, South Holland district councillor Ingrid Sheard and his mum Sarah Ford.
Ollie said: “I wanted to see what it was like to physically sleep outside.
“I don’t like seeing people not having somewhere warm and safe to go and how scary that would be.
“The biggest thing I have learned from it is not to judge people and what they are going through.”
Mum Sarah was proud of her son for camping out on a cold September night.
She said:” It was a long, long night but Ollie slept from 11pm and woke up at 6am.
“We talked about how it must feel and I am proud of him, he did really well.
“Everyone needs to experience just how hard it is - it is scary - and we have learned not to take anything for granted.”
The brave lad slept in a tent with a sleeping bag and his main aim is to raise awareness about homelessness as well as funds.
Coun Ingrid Sheard said: “The Big Sleep Out was facilitated in a safe place by South Holland District Council.
“It was one on Ollie’s wish list and therefore only right that he got to experience sleeping out.
“We all thoroughly embodied the experience and have a deeper appreciation of what people go through when sleeping rough.
“Ollie is a shining example of kindness and selflessness. All his efforts are greatly appreciated by everybody. I hope Ollie will continue all the hard work.
“A true inspiration to us all.”
Ollie will be helping once again at Spalding’s Hub In Hub Out on Christmas Day with the soup kitchen and saving pocket money to buy presents to give out.
Vanessa Browning said: “It was an amazing experience and absolutely brilliant for Ollie.
“We want to thank the council for providing a safe place for him.”
Ollie will be writing to businesses to help with his raffle and hopefully raise the total fundraising amount to £1,000.
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