Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

A group of 14 midwifery students from the city’s university will be sleeping out under the stars alongside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks to raise vital funds for homeless veterans during the cost-of-living crisis.

The University of Sunderland first-year students will be taking part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, an initiative run by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) to raise vital funds for veterans living on the streets.

The campaign encourages participants to spend a night outside, safely simulating the homeless experience, and the students have chosen the city’s highest point, Penshaw Monument, to settle down for the night.

Leading the sleep out is Beth Stott, a former combat medic from Tunstall, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for six years before being inspired to become a midwife following the birth of her children.

Watch as Sunderland schoolgirl with down syndrome presents school with book to i...

Beth said: "Having served myself, I understand the struggles that ex-servicemen and women face when they return to civilian life. It's heart-breaking to know that there are veterans sleeping rough on the streets, and I am proud to take part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out to raise awareness and funds for this important cause.

“We might be in for some difficult weather, which we know won’t be pleasant, but it will remind us that we’re doing this to support veterans who face those challenges every single night. We just hope people can get behind us and donate to this worthy cause.”

RBLI, which is a separate charity to the Royal British Legion, provides a home to more than 300 veterans and their families as well as providing employment and welfare support.

University of Sunderland midwifery students get ready for their fundraising sleep out.

Last year (2022) the charity saw a 45% increase in veterans needing help and with increased demand and rising costs, the charity expects the cost of housing those they already support to more than treble.

University of Sunderland midwifery students to sleep out at Penshaw Monument in support of homeless veterans

SEE ALSO: Talented footballer and University of Sunderland student called-up for national team