A former army tank gunner who served in Northern Ireland has raised more than £1,500 after camping out in the doorway of a shop in Sandbach. 

Brave Michael Platt, now a HGV driver, took part in the 'Great Tommy Sleep Out Challenge', sleeping outside for 18 hours in Sandbach. 

The father-of-four army veteran, who served as a trooper in the army with the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, camped out in the doorway of The Snip Inn barbers in Old Middlewich Road. 

Michael was raising awareness for homeless veterans as part of the Tommy event. (Photo: Nub News)

He was raising awareness for homeless veterans as part of the event to raise crucial funds for the country's most vulnerable veterans.   

Michael, 51, who lives in Elworth, said he was overwhelmed by the town's support for his fundraising challenge. 

He said: "It was a very surreal experience and very lonely at times. I can't imagine having to do it day in day out. 

"No Veteran should be on the streets after serving for their country. The kindness I was shown was amazing from all the donations to the visits through the night with soup coffee and snacks. 

"The response was amazing. Thank you so much." 

Michael went 28 hours without sleep and used his army sleeping bag and cardboard to keep warm. 

The Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) say there are roughly 6,000 military veterans living on the streets in the UK. 

Michael Platt is a veteran himself. (Photos: Michael Platt)

Last year, the demand for RBLI's services for homeless veterans increased by 45% - and with the cost-of-living crisis, the charity expects the cost of housing those already supported to more than treble. 

Donations are still flooding in Michael Platt's Tommy fundraiser. Donations can be made here

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