A SCHOOLBOY who raised more than £3,000 for homeless veterans has met his heroes in person.
Ashton Wilson spent 61 nights camping out in his back garden over a period of two months earlier this year.
The 12-year-old had signed up to take part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out – an annual event hosted by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) to provide work for former soldiers who have fallen on hard times.
As a thank-you, Ashton was invited by the RBLI to enjoy a three-hour tour of its factory at the Erskine veterans’ village in Bishopton.
The factory, which trades under Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, produces signs for the NHS, local councils and North Sea oil rigs – and Ashton was given his own sign to take back to his home in Busby as a memento of his visit.
Proud mum Lorna said: “It was a fantastic day and Ashton thoroughly enjoyed himself.
“He got to see how the factory operates and how his money has helped.
“It is a fabulous facility producing top-quality products, as well as offering training and support for veterans who have fallen on difficult times.
“Ashton got to make his own sign, which now has pride of place on the front wall of our house for everyone to see.”
Instead of camping out for one night, as RBLI had suggested, Ashton decided to sleep outside in his garden for the whole of March and April.
He managed to raise an impressive total of £3,350.
Ashton plans a similar event next year, with dad John – a 46-year-old landscape gardener – also taking part.
“I really enjoyed seeing the work that is done at the factory and it has made me determined to raise even more money,” said Ashton. “The people there were really cool.
“Next time, I hope to camp out for 100 nights.”
Ashton recently joined the Air Cadets and dreams of a career in the RAF’s Red Arrows.
The Williamwood High pupil was also inspired in his fundraising by family members’ involvement in the armed forces, including his grandparents, his uncle and former Army Cadet big brother Reece.
