ONE week today, in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, Councillor Barry Hunt will be taking to the streets - sleeping rough at the sites of Redcar and East Cleveland's war memorials in aid of SSAFA, the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association.
It is not the first time Cllr Hunt has undertaken such a bold move to raise money for our armed forces and veterans, previously completing an 11-night sleepout whilst Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, and raising a whopping £15,500. This time, it's a 12 nighter; and all at the age of 73 years old.
“It's not an easy thing to do, especially in your seventies," he laughs, “but I think you need to take on a real challenge if you want to raise a decent amount of money. It would be fantastic to beat the figure we raised last time.
“Homelessness and mental health issues are close to my heart when it comes to the men, women and their families who've been adversely affected as a result their service. No one deserves to find themselves homeless and struggling, mentally and/or physically, after spending their careers protecting our country.
“As a father with a serving son, I feel especially strongly about what has occurred in Afghanistan recently, and how it must be making many armed forces personnel and veterans feel after 20 years of their time was spent there.
“I'm doing this for every one of our Armed Services personnel, past and present, and those who have lost their lives or who live with the loss of limbs. We owe you so much."
SSAFA has been providing lifelong support to Forces and their families since 1885. Last year, their teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 85,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts. The challenges some of these individuals face are complex – from low income to life-changing injuries or hidden wounds, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The 12-night sleepout starts in Redcar on Tuesday 2 November, moving on each night to Guisborough, Saltburn, Moorsholm, Lingdale, Skelton, North Skelton, Brotton, Carlin How, Skinningrove, Easington and Loftus.
To recognise the efforts of Cllr Hunt and help SSAFA to support our service people and veterans, please donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barry-loftus-town-council (Barry Hunt is fundraising for SSAFA (justgiving.com)