"I've seen how Alabaré has changed lives" - Why Wiltshire woman is spending night at Stonehenge
Amanda Foster is taking part in Alabaré's BIG Sleep at Stonehenge in November
"We're very lucky" - that's how a Wiltshire woman taking part in a charity sleep out at Stonehenge has described the opportunity.
Amanda Foster is one of 200 people who're set to visit the ancient site next month (14th November) to take part in Alabaré's BIG Sleep at Stonehenge.
The event, which will raise funds to support homeless veterans across the South West and Wales, will be the first time the charity has offered the public the chance to spend the night at the stone circle, having previously been held on an invite-only basis.
Amanda, a veteran of many BIG sleep events before, says Alabaré is a charity she holds close to her heart.
"I've seen the help and the support and the way they've changed so many people's lives and I'm very passionate about the work that they do. The least I can do is to get cold for one night," she said.
She added that Alabaré does incredible work to secure unique venues for these events, with Salisbury Cathedral having hosted sleepers for many years.
"To be able to go to Stonehenge, which is on our doorstep, we're very, very lucky," Amanda said. "How many people can say they've slept out at Stonehenge?"
Access to Stonehenge after dark is rare, except for the Summer Solstice celebrations, and the group will be spending their night at the visitor centre, with two trips to the stones for a star gazing session, before taking in the sunrise from the historic monument.
Amanda is hoping to raise not only crucial funding to support veterans who've fallen on hard times, but boost awareness of their struggles and the work Alabaré does to support them.
"It's about homes, hearts and minds," she said, with the charity not only offering safe havens for the homeless, but access to mental health support and other services for issues rough sleepers encounter.
"My passion is to help the veterans that are homeless. They've given us the the ultimate workforce and work role, so I do it for them. and I do it for Alabaré so they can make a difference."
Joining Amanda among the group of 200 are Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Wells, who's selected Alabaré as his chosen charity for the year, and TV Personality, and Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Phil Harding.
Almost a hundred people have now signed up to be part of the event, with Amanda urging others to join her there.
"We're lucky that we have a choice to do it," she said. "I would encourage everybody, regardless of age, to have a go. The support and advice you get is great, the feeling and the group effort is fantastic."
Anyone interested in signing up can do so here.