Two lifelong Pitmen supporters will be taking on a powerful fundraising challenge at Keys Park later this month, as they spend the night sleeping out to raise money for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise.
Ian Parton (67) and Wilf Beaver (70) will take part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out on 31st March, sleeping at the top of the main stand from 8pm through to 8am.
Both are familiar faces around the club. Ian has supported Hednesford Town since 1968 and regularly helps out after home games, including litter picking throughout the season. Wilf, who also supports the club, has helped with litter picking and served in the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, spending time in Hong Kong, Germany and Northern Ireland during his military career.
The challenge
The idea for the challenge came about in the most familiar of settings – a conversation in the pub while watching football.
Wilf said: “I saw the advert and said to Ian, ‘Do you fancy doing that?’ It’s about giving something back. When you come out of the army, it can be very different. In the forces, everything is there for you – your mates, your routine, your support network. When you leave, that’s not always the case.”
Ian added: “It’s a simple challenge, but one that means a lot. We’ll be sleeping up at the top of the stand – I’ve borrowed my wife’s yoga mat – just to get a small sense of what some veterans face. It’s all for a good cause, and if we can raise some money and awareness, it will be worth it.”
The charity supports veterans who are transitioning back into civilian life, offering help with housing, employment and wider support for those who need it most.
The club will also be supporting the challenge, with staff joining Ian and Wilf on the night, including Jack Gwilt, son of Chairman Craig Gwilt, and Laura Hodgkiss, Head of People and Ladies Team Manager.
Chairman Craig Gwilt said: “What Ian and Wilf are doing is brilliant. This is exactly what Hednesford Town is about – people coming together to support others. The cause is incredibly important, and we’re proud to support them as a club. Hopefully the community can get behind them and help raise as much as possible.”
How to donate
Donations can be made online here.
Any support, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.
