Thousands of campers across the UK slept in their tents, lounges and camper vans (at home) on Saturday 4 April for our Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, raising a fantastic £90,000 in eight days.
With 25,000 members in the Facebook group and 35,000 posts, comments and reactions in a week, the fundraiser proved so popular another is being planned. The feedback was the Campout has been a welcome distraction and comfort to people staying at home.
Ian Alcorn, a bathroom fitter from West Bridgford in Nottingham, came up with the idea so his children had something exciting to do at the weekend and originally wanted to raise £100 with a few friends donating £2 for ‘site fees’ but many were far more generous.
“‘The initial idea came from me wanting to break the monotony of this unusual situation and do something with the kids at the weekend. Treat them for all their hard work home learning! I was settling down to watch Antiques Roadshow and boom! There it was. A Campout in the garden. Then I asked a few mates on my Facebook page, it escalated from there. I thought we could raise a few quid for NHS staff, I didn’t realise we’d be over £90,000 with 25,000 members in the group! If you can’t camp in your van or tent, make a den, make a donation but most of all make memories and have fun!’
– Ian Alcorn
Ian chose to support NHS charities to show support to all the frontline staff who are risking their lives to save the lives of others. He wanted staff to know that he and the group stand with them. The Camp-Out was so popular on Saturday 4 April, that another has been organised for 11th April.
Join the April 11 Campout
You can take part in anyway you like, as long as you stay at home in your household group. So you could camp in your garden in a tent, in a campervan on your driveway, or make a den in your front room.
Donate to the Great British Campout
About the Covid-19 Urgent Appeal
The NHS Charities Together Urgent Appeal acknowledges and supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients. It has been put together in liaison with NHS England and national bodies, our member NHS charities and national giving platforms. Click here to donate.
