Ted Uren is taking part in Alabaré’s BIG Sleep at the ancient monument tonight
Author: Aaron HarperPublished 2 hours ago
Over a hundred people are preparing to sleep out at Stonehenge tonight (14/11) in support of Veterans across the South West.
They’re spending the night at the ancient monument as they take part in Alabaré’s BIG Sleep event, as the homeless charity seeks to break the cycle on homelessness.
The money raised from the event will help the organisation tackle the growing issue of veteran homelessness, with one in every 400 ex-military personnel classes as homeless.
Among those heading to the famous Stone Circle to sleep out is 85-year-old Ted Uren.
He’s been supporting Alabaré by participating in the BIG Sleep event at Salisbury Cathedral for the last 15 years.
Ted told us that he couldn’t turn down the chance to spend the night at such a historic venue.
“The idea of sleeping out at one of the most famous ancient monuments in the world was too good to miss,” he said. “I suppose the main point is I haven’t got that many years left to try it.”
Alabaré has previously slept out at Stonehenge – but this is the first event open to the public
He said the venue represents what can be achieved by people working together: “Stonehenge is an example of the social cooperation needed to build a tremendous monument with very simple technology and thousands of people worked together because they had a common aim.”
Ted added that supporting the charity is something he enjoys “immensely”.
He said: “The idea that I can still help, but also mixing with younger people, it’s absolute delight.
“If you get into a sleep out where you get a whole class of school children who’ve collected money together and who contribute it and all come in together like a flock of birds, it’s delicious.”
Joining Ted in the sleep out are TV Archaelogist Phil Harding and Salisbury-based social media influencer, Hungry Woman Cooks.
The group will be waking up early on Saturday morning to take in the sunrise from the Stone Circle, an experience normally only reserved for Summer and Winter Solstice.
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