Army veteran soldiers through ‘sleep out’ challenge

Bruce, who served in Iraq in 2006 with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was motivated to get behind the challenge after an encounter with a homeless veteran, who later died from exposure, in Edinburgh.

Hope, who describes her dad as an “inspiration”, is also passionate about the cause, having passed her university degree last year with the subject of homeless Scottish veterans as her dissertation.

The pair kicked off their challenge by spending a couple of hours camped outside The Kintyre Larder in the town’s Main Street where they collected £265 in donations, before setting up camp in the woods, armed with nothing more than sleeping bags, a basic basha cover and ration kits.

So far, they have received more than £1,000 through an online fundraising page, in addition to the money collected on the day. 

“To say we are overwhelmed by the support from our generous town is an understatement,” said the pair after completing their challenge.

“We would like to put out a huge thank you to everyone who has donated, stopped to chat, supported us, and brought us snacks and drinks.”

Donations to the Bruce and Hope’s online fundraiser can still be made until the end of the month. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hope-strang-1738412050?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL to show your support.