Braunton boy sleeping outside invites children on 'big camp-out'

An 11-year-old boy who has been sleeping in a tent since the first coronavirus lockdown will have his final night outside this weekend.

Max Woosey, from Braunton, Devon, is encouraging children around the world to take part in a "big camp-out" on Saturday night.

He has been sleeping outside in memory of two family friends who died and and has raised more than £270,000.

By Monday morning Max will have camped in his garden for a whole year.

At the start of the first lockdown in March 2020 Max said: "I thought I'd do it for a week or two and then the event led on even further."

His mother, Rachael Woosey, said: "We're incredibly proud of what he's done and the resilience he's shown.

"He knew what he wanted to do from the beginning, we didn't think it was a good idea but he persevered with it and the fact that all of it has been led by him, not us, is amazing."

Before their neighbour Rick died of cancer, he gave Max his tent and told him to have an "adventure" in it.

People have been donating camping gear to the 11-year-old which has included a sleeping bag that belonged to a soldier who died while serving in Afghanistan.

Max's mum said that damage done by constant use and bad weather meant they had gone through about seven tents, some donated by outdoor equipment companies.

There were "a few nights when I cried myself to sleep because all my gear was soaking wet", Max said.

Mrs Woosey said it was "wonderful" that families around the world, including from the US and Singapore, will be taking part in the camp-out by sleeping in a tent or making a den in their gardens or homes.

She said it was about children "being in control" and "celebrating what they can do".

During the year celebrities including Jonny Wilkinson and Bear Grylls have been in touch to wish Max luck with his adventure.

He has been raising money for the North Devon Hospice which cared for his neighbours in their final days.

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