A CHARITY initiative designed to raise money and awareness for homeless veterans proved to be a challenging and eye-opening experience for one Northwich man.

The 24-hour rough sleep campaign ran by Launchpad saw numerous military personnel throughout the country sleep on the streets and experience the challenges too many veterans face after returning home from their military service.

Mike Browne, 19, of Cuddington, was both shocked and intimidated by the experience after completing the challenge in Chester.

He said: “I can’t imagine what it would be like for people who have to do that every day.”

The weather proved to be challenging for those involved with the constant rain throughout the day and the freezing cold in the evening, but another side to nightlife in major cities was the most challenging aspect of the initiative.

Mike said: “When the drunk people came out of the clubs it was honestly a bit scary. We could hear people scrapping in the streets, people were coming up to us, shouting at us and peeing right next to us.

“If someone is doing this every night, getting shouted at every night and people are talking to him at two in the morning he isn’t getting any sleep.”

Despite it being an intimidating experience, it did highlight the desperation of this good cause for all those involved.

He said: “We all couldn’t wait to get home but the people we were doing this for can’t do that. Before we knew it was a good cause, but we now all understand how important it is to raise money and awareness for these people.”

The initiative was started by the ‘Fill Your Boots’ Facebook page in partnership with Launchpad. The charity helps veterans by giving them accommodation, reconnecting with the community and find employment to integrate them back into society.

Most of the veterans registered with Launchpad come from a homeless background, their website has all the information about the charity and their main goal.

The charity states on its website: “We help veterans make a successful transition to civilian life, ideally within two years of joining Launchpad. Some of those we help have just left the armed forces and some may have been out for a decade. All veterans develop a Personal Action Plan to stabilise their lives and eventually to live independently after staying with Launchpad.”

So far, the initiative has raised more than £6,500, and donations can be taken on the website veteranslaunchpad.org.uk