A TEAM of carers and staff from a Downton care home have swapped their beds for a night under canvas – all to support veterans facing homelessness.

Staff at Ashley Grange, near Salisbury, took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out, raising an impressive £450 for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise – three times their original £150 target.

The group, made up of carers, managers and activities staff, spent the night in a marquee pitched on the home’s grounds, braving the outdoors to raise both funds and awareness for former service personnel in need.

Those taking part included carers Wassem Nasarulla, Freda Kempster, Analiza Dalao, Janaka Abhayaratne and Joseph Prasoon, alongside deputy home manager Theo King and activities co-ordinator Lou Corbett.

The challenge is part of a national campaign encouraging people to sleep outside for a night to highlight the reality faced by some veterans and raise money to support them.

Home manager Natalie Davies praised the team’s efforts, saying: “At Hartford Care, we’re proud of being active in our communities.

“Congratulations and well done to the Ashley Grange team, who have put our ethos of caring for each other into action with their latest charity initiative, raising funds for an incredible cause and directly providing much-needed support for local people.”

The Royal British Veterans Enterprise has been supporting the armed forces community for more than a century, helping individuals including those with disabilities or facing unemployment to rebuild their lives.

Funds raised will go towards providing safe housing, mental health support and pathways back to independence for veterans.

Ashley Grange, set on the edge of the New Forest, provides a range of care services including residential, dementia and respite care, and is known for its strong links with the community.

The team’s efforts highlight how even one night outdoors can make a lasting difference to those who have served their country.