A former solider is sleeping outdoors for the entire month to raise money for homeless veterans – and smashed his fundraising goal in just one day,

Gary Devonport is currently on his sixth night of sleeping outside at his home.

The 40-year-old firefighter is taking part in The Great Tommy sleep out , a national award fundraising challenge designed to support veterans that are experiencing homelessness in the UK right now.

Mr Devonport said: “Originally my fundraising goal was £600, but I smashed that in a day, so I’ve put it up to £3000. I’m at around £1600 now, so not too far”.

Mr Devonport is spending his nights in a sleeping bag under tarpaulin, in his garden.  

He said: “The first couple of nights were pretty cold, the sleeping is not too bad, it’s just the noise .

“It could be seen as a bit of a hardship that I am enduring, but if truth be told I think it is quite small compared to what some people might go through.”

Mr Devonport’s experience of serving the armed forces for six years as a former soldier inspired him to do this.

He said: “The transition from being in the military career to normal life is hard, you’ve got some soldiers who may not even have ever had to write a CV. And if you don’t know where to access the support it could potentially lead to being on the streets.”

Mr Devonport encouraged people to try and support veterans more.

He added: “I’d suggest to speak to them , but maybe the ones who have struggled, and find out what their issues are and see if you can help to break them barriers down.”

Mr Devonport said the sleep out was “an impulsive thing . But depending on how the rest of the month goes it may be something I build upon in future years.”

To donate this is the link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-devonport-1739123094