A WET start to a unique camping trip failed to dampen the spirits of Terry Williams who will be braving the elements to raise money for an emergency charity.

Rotarian Terry, 62, of Highworth, pitched his Shelterbox emergency tent on the Podium in the Market Place, Highworth, on Saturday and is planning to live in it for seven days and nights.

The week got off to a wet start with rain throughout Saturday morning but Terry is not letting that put him off, although he is hoping for a change in weather.

He said: “I was lucky it was dry when I put the tent up but this weather is not what I wanted.

“If it is like this for the rest of the week it will be a long week but that is part of the challenge.”

ShelterBox delivers emergency shelter to people affected by natural disasters.

It provides all the essentials a family needs to survive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

The ShelterBoxes usually cost £590 each and stocks are low due to the many recent natural disasters around the world. Each ShelterBox is tailor-made to each disaster but typically contains a tent for an family, blankets, water storage, filtration equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

Terry is hoping his efforts will raise enough money to provide at least four boxes. He said: “I think most people are questioning my sanity but that is usually the case!”

He will be on the Podium until Saturday, February 25. To donate visit www.

rotaryswindonnorth.org.uk.

The charity said it was unaware of any fundraiser camping out for more than one night and never in the middle of winter.