A MONMOUTH businessman swapped his bed for a sleeping bag and a cardboard shelter to raise around £600 for a homeless charity.

David Blair, who owns and runs No Eighteen in Church Street, is a trustee of Llamau and, as part of an annual Sleep Out, camped out in Cardiff alongside 183 others.

He said: “We slept out in the car park of the former Cardiff YMCA to highlight the issues faced by young people and vulnerable women across Wales and beyond – and to raise awareness and funds for Llamau.

“We were required to construct whatever kind of shelter we could (out of cardboard) for our one night out.

“If you do manage to shut your eyes, it is done with considerable apprehension. It’s an unsettling experience to say the least. But we were safe in our numbers and Llamau staff provided the marshalling duties.

“The morning brought a hot drink and the offer of a hot breakfast. But this is a frequent reality for so many people who endeavour to function after an unsettling night either out or in unfamiliar and vulnerable circumstances.”

Last year Llamau helped 5,000 people and has, for more than 25 years, supported young homeless people and vulnerable women. The charity provides supported accommodation, housing advice, training, work placements, mental health support and basic living skills to help people on the road to a brighter future.

David added: “Demands on services are increasing and in these tough economic times, it’s vital to raise the funds to keep these frontline services accessible to those who truly need it.”

Anybody who wishes to donate to the cause can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/DavidBlair18