Busby: Ashton Wilson to sleep out for 100 days for charity

Ashton Wilson, from Busby, pitched his tent in his family's garden last Sunday and has been staying there ever since.

The 13-year-old is participating in the Great Tommy Sleep Out for the Royal British Legion Industries.

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His mother, Lorna Lyon said: "In March, the Royal British Legion Industries organises a massive event and asks people to sleep out one night in March to help support homeless veterans.

“This is Ashton’s third year and every year, he has extended his stays. This year, he committed himself to 100 nights, hence why he started in February, so he has time to fit it all in and possibly extend it even further if he can.”

The young fundraiser holds the cause close to his heart because he wants to join the RAF and become a pilot when he grows up.

Having been involved with the Air Cadets for over a year, he has a love of flying.

Lorna added: "He's in his element, he loves being outside and loves the great outdoors anyway, so he is relishing it.

"Knowing that he is helping other people less fortunate than him, is giving him a boost as well.

“Both myself and his dad are extremely proud of him. He is putting himself out there and making himself vulnerable to help homeless veterans, who deserve more help than they get."

The high schooler's JustGiving page has already passed £700 in donations, while his Facebook fundraiser has reached £400.

Last year, Ashton raised a whopping £3500, following 64 nights under the stars.

The kind-hearted pupil hopes to surpass last year's numbers and help as many vulnerable ex-soldiers as possible.

The mother-of-three said: "Last year,m the money he raised helped set up 15 homeless veterans in emergency accommodation and get them back to employment.

"Now, he is trying to beat that but mostly just raise as much as he can.

"Three years ago, when he started, he came to us and said 'look, I want to do this'. Any challenge he takes on is down to him, we just try to support him as much as we can."

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so here.

Paula Ray, RBLI’s Head of Community and Events Fundraising, said: “Every year Ashton takes part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out and each time we are simply blown away by his commitment.  

“Sleeping out for 100 nights is no mean feat – the team here will be watching his challenge and encouraging him all the way.

“Every penny he raises will go directly to supporting disadvantaged military veterans through RBLI’s wide range of services.

“We could not be prouder of Ashton. He’s a real inspiration who is genuinely improving lives.”