A FORMER Monmouth trader is swapping his bed for a sleeping bag and a home-made cardboard shelter on Thursday of this week to join others and raise funds for the homelessness charity Llamau.

David Blair, remembered as the owner of No. Eighteen, the sandwich and chocolate brownie shop on Church Street, has been doing this annually for a number of years to raise awareness and vital funds to help end youth homelessness in Wales.

Participants are expected to raise money and build their own shelter from the cardboard and plastic tarpaulin that Llamau provide, along with any material they bring themselves. Then, David will swap his bed for a sleeping bag and experience a ‘good night’s sleep outside the Cardiff City Football Stadium on a cold November night.

The sponsorship money raised is absolutely vital for the charity to maintain frontline services in supporting young homeless people in Wales, giving them the practical skills they need for a brighter future.

Llamau is the leading homelessness charity in Wales and have been working across the country for 28 years to support homeless young people and vulnerable women. They provide 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, a trustee and vice-chair of the charity, said: “ It’s a very humbling experience.  Llamau works with increasing numbers each year”.

He is asking anyone that wishes to support him to log on to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davidblairagain

“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.

“Your help and support in doing so would be very much appreciated,” he added.