AN Army veteran is hoping for the “worst weather possible” when he swaps a silent night’s slumber for a sleeping bag in the Powys elements next month.

David Rawsthorne is aiming to raise vital funds and awareness for over 6,000 veterans that are experiencing homeless in the UK right now. He’ll be taking part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out 2022, run by Royal British Legion Industries.

During the month of March, the RBLI is challenging people to sleep outside for one night to raise awareness and funds for homeless ex-servicemen and women.

David, who lives just outside Llandrindod, will even be joined by 12-year-old daughter Mia for the sleep out as she is raising her own funds and awareness – her air cadet squadron needs a new minibus.

County Times: David Rawsthorne served for more than 25 years in the military

County Times: Mia Rawsthorne is hoping she can raise vital funds for a minibus for the 579 Llandrindod Wells Air Cadets

“I am going to conduct this challenge with bare minimum kit and more than likely sleeping on a high hilltop somewhere near Llandrindod,” said David, 46, who joined the Army aged just 16 and served for more than 25 years.

“I intend to conduct it in army fashion so I will be patrolling there, constructing and occupying a sleeping area and then sleeping for the evening.

“I am going to ensure that I choose the worst weather day I possibly can. I want to try and find the worst day and night ever. I preferably want it snowing like hell or down in the really low minuses; if you’re going to do it then do it right, I say.

“What makes this really, really special is that my 12-year-old daughter Mia will be doing it with me too. She will be raising money for a new minibus that the air cadets require at Llandrindod.”

Together, the pair have raised more £300 between them already. Mia’s tally has been boosted by Llandrindod county councillor Jake Berriman who has given her £100 as part of his annual project of donating part of his allowance as a county councillor to benefit community projects within his ward.

We featured the 579 Llandrindod Wells Air Cadets’ challenge in December. The group are looking to help raise funds for a new minibus, which is currently in the garage and has become costly to run. It has served them faithfully for a decade but now needs replacing.

The spa town-based squadron aims to train young men and women in leadership and citizenship roles through exciting and adventurous activities.

On their Localgiving page, the group are aiming to raise a modest total of £3,000 – the fund currently stands at £1,315.

With every penny raised from the Great Tommy Sleep Out, the RBLI can provide safe, warm housing and ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to gain employment, regardless of health conditions or disability.

After joining the Royal Welch Fusiliers (which merged into the Royal Welsh in 2007) in 1991, David retired as a sergeant major in 2017. He served 13 operational tours, including three tours of Afghanistan.

You can support both his and Mia’s fundraising efforts via their charitable pages. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-rawsthorne or https://localgiving.org/fundraising/sleeping-out-in-march/ for more information and to donate.