A COMMITTED fundraiser in Rhyl raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in “sleepouts” every night in March.

Richard Kendrick took on Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) Great Tommy Sleep Out, sleeping rough every night in March in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Kinmel Bay, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno.

He has raised roughly £2,500 from his efforts – a similar amount to that which he raised from the same challenge last year – all of which will again be given to the RBLI.

Though he originally planned to just sleep rough every Saturday in March, Richard ended up taking part in sleepouts each night last month.

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At last month’s Rhyl BID Business Awards, he won the “outstanding contribution to the community” and the “Rhyl superhero” prizes.

Richard said: “It was hard – even on Saturday in Llandudno, it started off nice, but then poured down. I’ve never seen so much rain!

“I’m tired and I didn’t shave for all of March, but it’s been good and worthwhile.

“I met up with different people to do it, and I might do it against next March, but maybe just the one day. Every year I’ve done it, it always rains!”

This Great Tommy Sleep Out 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.

Richard far exceeded his initial fundraising target of £500, meanwhile.

He added: “I’ve got a bit more money still to pick up, which should take me to about £2,500.

“The amount of people on the streets this year was quite eye-opening. We gave out  lot of sleeping bags and tents to homeless people.

“In Morrisons a couple of weeks ago, two homeless people came up and put some of their money in our collection box, which was really nice.

"I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone who donated, joined me and wished me luck; and to the shops, pubs and supermarkets who let me collect in-store or who had a bucket for donations."

In June, Richard is also planning to run the Race For Life event in Rhyl while dressed as Bearjamin the Fundraising Bear.

Money which he raises from this will be in aid of Cancer Research and The Osborne Trust.