The Great Tommy Sleep Out – Community, Camaraderie, and Cause
On St Patrick’s Day, under clear Yorkshire skies, colleagues, partners, and veterans came together for a memorable and meaningful evening at The Great Tommy Sleep Out.
Hosted at GVA’s depot, the event brought together attendees from National Highways and its wider supply chain, all united by a shared purpose to raise awareness and funds in support of veterans facing homelessness.
A Strong Start to a Special Evening
As guests arrived, they were welcomed into a well-organised and safely managed site, complete with clear wayfinding, designated parking, and staff on hand to guide vehicles and attendees throughout the evening. Safety and well-being remained a priority at every stage of the event.
The Halifax Armed Forces Veterans Association supported the event by setting up their field kitchen and mess tent, creating a warm and welcoming hub for food and refreshments.
To officially open the evening, GVA’s Training Coordinator, Andrew, erected the mast and raised the Great Tommy Sleep Out flag, marking the beginning of an event defined by community spirit and collaboration.
Collaboration Across the Supply Chain
This event was a true team effort, with support from across the National Highways network:
- Crown Highways sponsored a hearty Irish stew, perfectly themed for the occasion
- Caterpillar Catering prepared both the evening meal and breakfast
- Just Desserts kindly donated desserts for attendees
- Premier Traffic Management sponsored the breakfast
- Garic supplied essential welfare facilities, including solar-powered toilets and showers
- GVA hosted the event and ensured refreshments, including Guinness, were available
These contributions ensured attendees were well supported while still experiencing a meaningful insight into the challenges faced by those sleeping rough.
An Evening of Connection and Activity
With tents pitched and sleeping bags rolled out, attendees settled in for an evening that balanced reflection with engagement.
The night included delicious food, informal networking, and conversations between veterans and colleagues from across the industry. These discussions provided valuable insight into military service and the ongoing support available to veterans.
National Highways’ Steve Parker hosted the Tommy Sleep Out quiz, bringing energy, humour, and friendly competition to the evening. His involvement added a light-hearted touch to an otherwise reflective event.
Attendees also enjoyed interactive games supplied through National Highways, including a reaction and coordination challenge that tested speed and accuracy. The competition created a lively and engaging atmosphere, with GVA’s Luke Kendel taking the win.
The table football setup and erected bar helped create a welcoming space, affectionately named the Green Valley Arms, encouraging conversation, camaraderie, and a strong sense of community throughout the evening.
“It was very, very well organised — everything felt carefully planned, with sensible boundaries in place, and it all came together really smoothly as a fantastic all-round event.”
Andy Murray – HW Martin
Raising Awareness and Funds
The event raised around £7,000, with contributions from around ten organisations, and additional donations are still being added.
Beyond fundraising, the event successfully raised awareness of the realities faced by veterans who experience homelessness. Conversations throughout the evening created space for learning, understanding, and connection between those who have served and those supporting the cause.
For HSQE Manager Alan Gray, who helped organise the event, the experience carried personal meaning as well as professional pride. Being part of an initiative that brings together the supply chain in support of veterans was described as both impactful and rewarding.
A Night Under the Stars
As the evening drew to a close, most attendees remained to fully take part in the sleepout experience. Tents and sleeping bags were set up across the site, creating a powerful visual reminder of the purpose behind the event.
The following morning, guests gathered for breakfast before packing away and returning to their day, sharing a sense of achievement and community.
“Apart from the snorers, it was perfect — a really enjoyable night overall.”
Anonymous – Halifax Armed Forces Veterans Association
Looking Ahead
The Great Tommy Sleep Out demonstrated the strength of collaboration across the National Highways community. Through careful planning, generous sponsorship, and shared commitment, the event successfully combined fundraising, awareness, and meaningful engagement.
With strong participation, valuable conversations, and thousands of pounds raised in support of veterans, the event stands as a testament to what can be achieved when organisations come together with purpose.
