Boy, 10, has camped out every night since last March

Max Woosey has been sleeping in a tent in his back garden to raise money for North Devon Hospice Credit: Family

A 10-year-old boy has raised more than £150,000 for charity by camping out in his North Devon garden.

Max Woosey, from Braunton, has slept in a tent in his family’s back garden every night since the first lockdown in March. He is raising money for North Devon Hospice, which looked after a friend who was dying from cancer during his final days.

On his fundraising page, Max says: "I have been camping out since 29 March 2020 and am going to try and do a year. My friend Rick gave me his tent before he died and made me promise to have an adventure so that’s what I’m doing."

Max spending his 250th night under canvas in November. Credit: Family

Max has braved the cold and foul weather and says he will continue to stay out overnight.

The tent, however, has not lasted - by Christmas, he had worked his way through five tents during his challenge and the sixth is on its last legs.

Max's mum Rachael Woosey does not like her son sleeping out every night. She said: "I'm like any other mum, I keep my ear out all the time for him. Last night it was really windy and it kept me up but Max slept right through."

North Devon Hospice has been offering care and support to local people who are affected by a life-limiting illness since 1984.

It cares for around 3,000 people every year, offering specialist care to patients at home and at the hospice, while supporting the whole family. Like many charities, its fundraising has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic so Max's contribution is vital.

On Saturday 27th March 2021, to mark one year of Max’s epic challenge, children across the world are invited to join Max’s Big Camp Out.

Max says it could be outdoors if you have a garden, or indoors in a home-built den, with cushions or blankets, and will give children an opportunity to raise funds for a charity of their choice.

Max's Mum, Rachael, said people have been in touch about the big campout from across the world, including as far as America and Singapore.

Bear Gryll's has even backed the 10-year-old ahead of the event this weekend.


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