A MAN is to face two charity “sleepouts” in both Rhyl and Prestatyn later this month on the back of raising more than £200,000 for the Royal British Legion in the last two years.

Richard Kendrick will be taking part in Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) “Great Tommy Sleep Out” on Rhyl High Street on March 11, and in Parc Prestatyn retail park/Prestatyn High Street on March 18.

This challenge sees participants brave the cold for a night in March in aid of the roughly 6,000 military veterans living on the streets in the UK.

To donate, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-local-people-who-are-homeless.

It follows Richard completing his role as Rhyl’s Poppy Appeal Organiser, during which time he raised £212,835.24 in two years.

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He said of the sleepouts: “We’ve got a couple of friends going; a few veterans are supporting me, and another lady from Rhuddlan is doing her own sleepout in Rhyl’s War Memorial Garden.

“A lot of the money will go to Rhyl Foodbank, Big Help Project (charity which Richard works for), and of course, the RBLI.

“Lots of people don’t understand that there are still lots and lots of homeless people on the streets. We need to highlight this. It’s not going away; it’s actually getting worse.

“It’s not just about raising money, it’s about opening people’s eyes. It could be anyone; they say we’re only a few pay packets away from being homeless.”

Richard raised hundreds of pounds last April when he spent a night sleeping rough on Rhyl’s High Street.

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Hundreds of pounds raised in sleepout on Rhyl High Street for homeless veterans

He also added his gratitude and surprise at discovering the astonishing amount he had raised for the Royal British Legion during his two years as Poppy Appeal Organiser.

Richard will still be volunteering and helping the Royal British Legion, and will continue to raise funds for the charity, despite not carrying on in the same role.

He said: “I didn’t realise it was that much; you just keeping banking money and don’t find out the final amount until you get your ‘thank-you’ letter.

“It shows how amazing Rhyl is. There’s no other town like it. I’m astounded, and just so chuffed. The money will help so many of our servicemen and their families.”