Rutland schoolgirl sleeps rough to raise money for SSAFA

27 April 2021

A local schoolgirl from Rutland spent two nights sleeping in a tent during the Easter holidays to raise awareness for homeless veterans.

13-year-old Amelia Coley took on the challenge to support a cause close to her heart, after her father joined the Army in 2003 at the age of 16. He now serves in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Living off just £2 a day and spending two nights in a tent near her house, she then completed her first ever half marathon with her mum along the Rutland water shore, to raise even more awareness for the cause.

Amelia said: “I completed my first ever half marathon and slept in a tent for two nights to raise awareness of homeless veterans. I did this as part of my Kirby challenge.

"The Kirby challenge is something every Year 8 student completes to show contribution, personal achievement, and challenge. Please help me raise money for a good cause as well as supporting me to challenge myself”.

Amelia’s Mother, Terri Coley, said: “We are very proud of her. Whilst running, I called Jamie my husband to let him know when we were 1km away from the house so that Amelia's siblings Joshua and Arabella could clap her final steps of her run, they were so excited for her achievement.

"He also had a BBQ ready for us getting back. She had very tired legs today so chilled out in her room to recover. She has done a brilliant job!”