Established in 1919 after the First World War, the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has spent over a century tirelessly supporting veterans who dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. From providing housing and employment to offering welfare and support, this remarkable charity remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no veteran is left behind.

In 2024, the RBLI and its supporters raised an incredible £1.2 million through The Great Tommy Sleep Out, a nationwide fundraising initiative to bring homeless veterans in from the cold. Despite the remarkable success of last year’s event, the demand for RBLI’s services continues to grow. To meet this rising need, the charity launched the Great Tommy Sleep Out 2025, calling on the nation to rally once more in support of those who served.

Answering the Call: HW Martin Takes on the Challenge

Business leaders from across the highways and construction industries stepped up to take on the challenge. Among them was Andy Graham of HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd. Alongside fellow participants, Andy braved the freezing temperatures of a woodland at the Detling Showground, experiencing firsthand the harsh conditions endured by many homeless veterans.

For one night, the volunteers lived in a historically accurate recreation of a World War 1 trench – a narrow, ice-cold space, reinforced only by unstable wooden palisades and sandbags. The experience extended to trying out a soldier’s sleeping quarters: a cramped, tin-clad box barely larger than a wardrobe. Climbing onto a wooden bed with nothing but a hessian sack mattress for comfort, Andy quickly realised just how impossible it was to find any warmth or ease.

Later that night, he and the other participants slept directly on the cold woodland floor, facing the discomfort of aching muscles but taking solace in the breathtaking star-filled sky above.

A Night to Remember

Reflecting on his experience, Andy shared:
“It was a fantastic event with fantastic people. A huge thank you to all the volunteers from the RBLI and the main sponsors. And to everyone who supported me – I committed all your names to memory by about 2:30am after running out of sheep to count! In all seriousness, your contributions truly made a difference and have gone a significant way to helping achieve this year’s target of £80,000.”

Thanks to the dedication of all those who took part, the Great Tommy Sleep Out 2025 has already raised an astonishing £78,000 – with confidence that the final target will soon be reached.

Making an Impact

Andy’s efforts, along with those of hundreds of other participants, are a testament to the power of community in supporting veterans in need. Everyone at the Martin Group of Companies is incredibly proud of Andy and all those who took part.

Congratulations to every fundraiser, sponsor, and supporter of the Great Tommy Sleep Out 2025. The money raised will go a long way in helping RBLI continue its vital work for many months to come.