A Wiltshire businessman braved last night's cold, wind and rain to sleep out and raise awareness for thousands of homeless people who may have nowhere to be tucked up indoors over Christmas and the New Year.

Ben Thompson, of Ben Thompson Events, was sleeping rough to raise funds for Crisis UK and awareness of the campaigns #ExcludedUK, #WeMakeEvents and www.silentnights.org.uk

So far, he has raised £1,400 and has smashed through his £1,000 fundraising target.

He said: “2020 has been a tough year for us all in one way or another and I was sleeping out to raise funds for Crisis UK and awareness of the three million people not receiving Government support for a variety of reasons despite having paid their taxes over the years.

“The temperature overnight was 10 degrees so it was really not too bad for December although it was a little gusty and drizzly at times.

“My wife and three children have been very supportive throughout. There were times when they did offer to join me last night but they soon came to their senses and stayed tucked up inside.

“The coronavirus lockdown has reminded us how important a safe and secure home is for everyone. But this year, many people will be experiencing their first homeless Christmas.

“Every £28.22 donated will help give someone the gift of a Crisis Christmas. Together, we can ensure thousands of people are not facing homelessness alone.”

Mr Thompson, who lives at East Kennett near Avebury but works in Marlborough, added: “One million in the events industry have not been able to work since March due to venues and events being closed and no mass gatherings permitted.

“I run my own 'live ' events and hospitality business. Since March and the start of lockdown I have pivoted it into a virtual events agency offering companies escape room games, murder mystery games, wine-tastings , cocktail-making sessions, chocolate-making sessions , mind reader sessions , race nights , quizzes and comedy nights to name but a few.”

Crisis UK works directly with thousands of homeless people every year. The charity provides vital help so that people can rebuild their lives and be supported out of homelessness for good.

He says anyone who wishes to support the causes should send a cheque payable to Crisis UK to his offices at 47 London Road, Marlborough, SN8 2RN, or go to his justgiving appeal page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/benthompsoncrisisukfundraisingevent18dec2020

He added: “As an additional incentive to sponsor me I will be awarding a bottle of Taittinger NV champagne to the person who correctly guesses the time (the hour, minute and second please) I eventually switched off my phone and went to sleep on Friday night."