Inspirational fundraisers - Paul Green
10th December 2021
Inspirational fundraisers - Paul Green
In 2020, Paul set off in his campervan aiming to travel the coastal paths of the UK to raise money for Demelza, sharing: “Travelling around in a campervan is great fun, there are so many hidden gems in this country that people miss and haven't heard about. In a campervan, you have the freedom to explore these. My favourite place I've been to is the North Coast of Scotland, the scenery is amazing and some of the beaches look like you're in the Caribbean, apart from the weather of course. The people are so welcoming and friendly. The little fishing villages take you back in time.”
Following the UK coastal path
Setting off from Demelza’s Sittingbourne hospice, Paul travelled around the Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire and northeastern coastline, ending up in the village of Glencoe, western Scotland.
“I was absolutely gutted that I had to curtail Camp the Coast while we were in Glencoe, but I felt it was the responsible thing to do due to the lockdown coming into force - and people had their Christmas plans ruined; I couldn't justify travelling around. So, I came home too.
“This took me around two and half weeks but from Glencoe it would have taken me around another four to six weeks stopping off at every seafront.”
Supporting Demelza Hospice Care for Children
Reflecting on his military days, Paul explains: “Since working with charities while in the armed forces, especially in Bosnia and Kosovo, I've had always been inspired by children's charities.
“A few years ago, my friend lost their daughter at a very young age (seven) and they couldn't express their gratitude enough to Demelza and the support they showed. I researched a lot of charities and with that and another friend of mine who runs Leo Bay Campsite in Queenborough, Demelza was my chosen charity to support.”
Not too disheartened by having to abandon Camp the Coast early, Paul set his sights on his future fundraising: “I was planning to do a Camp the Coastal Castles this year but with the uncertainty of the pandemic I thought it wasn't a good idea as I had to respect local communities, so I thought about starting campouts.
“I started a Facebook camping group called Road Roamers (@RoadRoamers). I thought there are so many people that have struggled with their mental health, anxieties, losing a loved one through lockdown and are worried about camping and meeting new people. I thought that they needed to get out and experience old school camping; in a field, music around the fire pit and generally meeting like-minded people.
“I never knew how much this group would have grown, from 215 members in April 2021 and now, to date, just over 2,500. Organising them can be a trial in itself but in the end, it's all worth it. It's changed people's lives; people are not alone now as they have made new friends and we as a group are here to support each other.”
Get involved
The campouts range from two nights to 10, and the next is due to take place over the Christmas and New Year period in Leicestershire. Over a usual 10 day campout, Paul will see on average 30 – 40 units (tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes). For his upcoming festive campout, Paul is set to bring together over 110 units, telling us: “I'm so glad about the response, as how upsetting to find someone alone this Christmas. No one should be alone after last year.”
“About one in three of the events are held as charity fundraisers and we have a massive one in Bodiam planned for next July, which everyone is welcome to come along to.”
If you are interested in finding out more about Paul’s upcoming campouts, you can contact him via email – and if you would like to make a donation towards his fundraising, you can do so via his JustGiving page.
Get in touch
Our community fundraising team are available to answer any questions you might have about fundraising and support you with your events.
For more inspiration and fundraising ideas, visit our fundraise for us page.
After his Camp the Coast challenge was brought to an abrupt end due to the pandemic last year, Paul has gone on to organise multiple campouts across the UK in aid of Demelza, raising over £2,000 so far.
Little did Paul know that his campouts would turn into a 2,500 strong community, bringing people together, enjoying the great outdoors. He explains: “It's changed people's lives; people are not alone now as they have made new friends and we as a group are here to support each other.”