Ruth Legh-Smith, a volunteer at the Winter Night Shelter MK, has completed the challenge of sleeping outside for six months without a tent.
60-year-old Ruth started her challenge back at the end of March in memory of her late husband, Richard.
Ahead of embarking on the challenge, Ruth said: "I am choosing to support the WNSMK because, in many ways, volunteering for them after Richard’s death helped me to carry on, and I have seen how they help people in great need. The way in which I have decided to support the charity is a fitting tribute to Richard and how we lived life together.
"Richard and I led what you might call an unconventional life, mostly on boats, and never feeling ‘at home’ in a house. Whenever we were based in the UK the aim was to sail for 6 months of the year, and this is what I would like to honour this year with my Sleep Out Summer. Whatever else I do, from 27th March I aim to sleep outdoors every night from that date for 6 months."
Ruth has since reached that aim and last Wednesday (16/9) slept outside for her final night. She used charity shop blankets, tarpaulin and car windscreen covers for warmth and endured all sorts of weather during the challenge.
The original plan was to sleep in the gardens of friends and family around the country but this plan was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ruth spent a lot of time sleeping in family gardens and more recently in the grounds of Emmaus Village Carlton in Bedford - another homelessness charity.
Since completing the challenge, Ruth has raised a whopping £3,370 (as of 10:30 on 23/9) for the Winter Night Shelter MK.
The charity has supported Ruth throughout the six months and has since shared their admiration by presenting Ruth with a thank you gift for her support.
You can still donate to Ruth's Sleep Out Summer challenge by clicking here.
