An ex-serviceman has raised more than £2,500 for charity after sleeping rough in Newton Stewart.
Davy Marshall, a member of the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, spent four days and nights living on the streets to raise awareness of the plight of homeless veterans.
And in the process Davy smashed his fundraising target, with the £2,850.16 he raised set to be distributed to veterans charities by RBLS.
The 58-year-old, originally from Coleraine in Northern Ireland but now living in Kirkcowan, said: “It really stunned me how supportive and generous the people of Newton Stewart were, I sat there with my milk churn, and so many people I spoke to had relatives who were or had been veterans from the First World War right through to the present conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Honestly their generosity knew no bounds, from gifts of cash to offers of hot soup and tea. It really was amazing to see and experience the love and support the branch has in the area.”
Davy took on his challenge in December and pitched his tent in the car parks of Sainsburys and Aldi, but sleep was difficult as “the car park next to Sainsbury’s comes alive at night with lorries. I think being tired makes you so much colder”.
He was grateful to Craig from the Belted Galloway cafe bringing him a cuppa every morning.
Davy added: “During my time sleeping out, the major challenge was the weather, which was freezing for the first two days, and then very wet and windy. But at night there were also the rats which come from the river, interested in the rubbish bins.”
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Davy has also organised a fundraising evening at the Creebridge House Hotel this Sunday.
His All Stars Tribute Show features acts from Northern Ireland, the fabulous three hour extravaganza including tributes to Showaddywaddy, Bay City Rollers, Jersey Boys, Elton John, Cher, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and many more.
Tickets cost £15 and are available from The Creebridge House Hotel, Laura’s gift shop, The Belted Galloway café and the Brigend Pantry, or direct from Davy on 07725 169225.