Camper raises thousands for charity

A man has raised thousands of pounds for a disaster charity after completing a week-long stay in a tent - in a Wiltshire town centre.

Many will pay for the privilege of going camping in England this year but Terry Williams, of Swindon's North Rotary Club, managed to raise more than £6,000 for a good cause with his hobby. 

He was aided with plenty of support throughout from his local community, with members of his club even holding their weekly meeting next to his site.

Starting on February 18th in Highworth's Marketplace, the avid camper's aim was to raise money for charity ShelterBox - which supplies specially-made tents to people around the world affected by natural disasters. 

In preparation for the event, Williams, 62, spent a number of nights camping out in his garden in temperatures as low as -10c.

Talking to swindonadvertiser.co.uk after his first night, Williams said: "I was lucky it was dry when I put the tent up but this weather is not what I wanted. If it is like this for the rest of the week it will be a long week but that is part of the challenge."

Shelterboxes cost around £590 and include equipment, tools and a first aid kit. The charity told bbc.co.uk that it was unaware of anyone who had attempted a similar feat in such conditions.