Twins camp out for hospice fundraiser

James and Owen Weston would ordinarily be tucked up in their cosy Montgomery home with their mum and dad, Claire and Mark, but after seeing 11-year-old Max Woosey’s camp out for a hospice local to him in Devon, which raised some £500,000, the boys were inspired to get out their camping gear and raise a little money for charity themselves.

The pair are raising money for Hope House, and have so far reached £279 – having set a target of £45.

“They did some little camping 'holidays' in the garden during last year's lockdowns, but when they heard about Max’s challenge they decided they would try to raise a little bit of money for a hospice which helps local children,” said mum Claire.

“They initially planned to camp out for one night, coinciding with Max's Big Camp Out, then it became the weekend, then, having been delighted by the lovely support their fundraising received from family and friends, they challenged themselves to make it a whole week.”

It hasn’t been all fair weather for the boys, who are pupils at Montgomery Church in Wales Primary School, with wind, rain and even hail coming down.

“They’ve had a few nicer nights and a few tougher ones, but they were determined to stick to the challenge they set themselves, and had fun doing it too,” said Claire.

“Hope House is an amazing local charity and it's lovely that the boys wanted to do something to support them, especially as this year has been so tough for charities.”

Lynsey Kilvert, fundraiser at Hope House, said: “It’s brilliant that James and Owen are supporting us and helping to raise money so we can be there for the seriously ill children and their families who need us the most.

“We are proud to have such great supporters like James and Owen who will take inspiration and turn it into something which will raise some money for us.”

Anyone who would like to support James and Owen can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/james-and-owens-camp-out