Soldier turned ambulance worker sleeps out for homeless veterans

Steve Oliver, 53, took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out, a fundraising challenge set by the Royal British Legion Industries to raise awareness of and support the estimated 6,000 veterans experiencing homelessness.

Steve, a former Army sergeant, who toured Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Canada, now works as an Ambulance Care Assistant at the Welsh Ambulance Service, based in Bridgend.

He said: “The Great Tommy Sleep Out encourages you to sleep out under the stars to fundraise for the most vulnerable veterans.

“So, I set up my chair and sleeping bag and camped out for 24 hours.

“I based myself at The Memorial Tommy Wall, St Anne’s in Neath from 10.00am Saturday until 10.00am Sunday.

“The challenge by no means replicated what some people experience every day.

“But it did give me a very small idea of it.”

Steve, a father of two and grandfather of one, was a member of the Armed Forces from 1989-2003, starting his career in the Royal Military Police, before moving into the Intelligence Corp and later becoming a Sergeant.

He continued: “Being a veteran, I understand that not many people leave the Forces without some kind of scars.

“I know that there is a very fine line from being where I am now to where others are, including those who find themselves homeless.

“When I was discharged from the army, I found it really hard to adjust and suffered from mental health issues.

“If it wasn’t for the support of the Royal British Legion and my family, I’m not sure what would have happened.

“This was my small part to give back.

“During the 24 hours, I was visited by over 60 members of the public, so I had plenty of donations and conversations about the Royal British Legion.

“And best of all they ranged from 10-years old to 91-years old.

“The support I have received has been a truly humbling experience.”

The Great Tommy Sleep Out continues throughout March, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.

Arwyn Thomas, Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service Operations Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service, and Steve’s manager, said: “We are all very proud of Steve and his efforts to raise money and awareness of the thousands of homeless veterans.

“Steve is ex-military and I know how passionate he is about this cause, and sleeping outside for 24 hours shows his sheer determination.”

You can still donate by visiting Steve’s fundraising page here.

(Lead image: Wales Ambulance Service)