A SCOUT has slept outdoors in a tent every night for a year, in order to raise money for a new hut for his Scout troop.
Will Grange, aged 13, was fund-raising for 1st Sheet (St Mary’s), which is attached to his parish church in Sheet, Hampshire.
Even winter temperatures and illness did not deter him. His mother, Alison Grange, said that he never contemplated giving up. “He’s the kind of boy that, when he makes his mind up to do something, he does it, and nothing stops him. I felt guilty some nights when it was very cold; I took him a hot chocolate in the middle of the night.”
Will, a pupil at Petersfield School, had originally intended to sleep out only for a week to raise money for Comic Relief. But when he heard of someone sleeping outside for a year, he decided to extend his sleep-out. He took the tent with him when he went on holiday with his family, so that he could fulfil his pledge.
His efforts have raised nearly £2500 towards the new hut, which is expected to cost more than £100,000 in total.
To donate to 1st Sheet (St Mary’s) Scout hut, visit http://new.thebiggive.org.uk/charity/view/8844