A team of walking rugby players from Witney have taken part in a charity event which supports veterans.
The Great Tommy Sleepout takes place in March and involves people sleeping under the stars for a night, and Witney Wizards, the walking rugby which representatives Witney Rugby Football Club took part this year.
Founded over a year ago and primarily centred around older members, their average age being 65, the team includes several veterans.
Ian, co-ordinator of the effort, said: “Every night over 6,000 veterans sleep rough in the UK.
“They all volunteered, signing up in the knowledge that they may be required to put their life on the line in the defence of others.
“I signed up, as did my wife, we are fortunate that post service we have been able to put a roof over our heads and live in a caring community in Witney.
“Others are not so fortunate which is why we are doing The Great Tommy Sleepout.
“I’m hoping that our caring society will reach out to offer a hand up to those veterans who once stepped up to defend our nation but who now find themselves homeless.”
The Witney group was fortunate with dry and relatively warm weather.
The support from the Witney Rugby Club members, as showcased in their donations and well-wishing, was met warmly.
Ian added: “We all had time to think about our time ‘on the street’ concluding that whilst we enjoyed the experience together in a safe environment, we would not enjoy having to do that every night of the year.”
The primary goal of the Wizards and Witney Rugby Club, amplified by this event, is to raise awareness of the struggles faced by our nation’s veterans…
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