The Prime Minister meets Max ‘Boy in the Tent’ Woosey as the 11-year-old prepares to ‘Boycott his Bed’ for Action for Children
Max who has been camping in his garden since the beginning of lockdown last year, pitched his tent in the Downing Street garden this afternoon ahead of the charity’s national sleepout tonight
Marathon camper Max ‘Boy in the Tent’ Woosey has pitched his tent and met the Prime Minister in the garden at Number 10 today to help rally support for vulnerable children across the UK.
Max’s camping adventures started when he began sleeping in his garden in Devon after his neighbour Rick, who later died of cancer, gave him a tent to “have an adventure in”. He has slept out for over 400 nights and earlier this week became a ‘zookeeper by night’ sleeping out as ZSL London Zoo for Action for Children.
His exciting camping journey has led him to the door of Number 10, where he met the Prime Minister this afternoon, and pitched his tent in the garden. The Prime Minister has previously sent Max letters of support for his camping and fundraising efforts.
Max is asking the public to support Action for Children’s national sleepout tonight across the UK, where families are taking part in ‘Boycott your Bed’ by sleeping out in the most unusual place they can think of - whether it’s camping out under the stars or bunking down in the bathroom.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Today I met Max who has done an absolutely stellar job of raising money for some very worthy causes by sleeping outside for over a year now.
“Max has inspired young people all over the country and I support his efforts today to raise money for the children who need it most.”
Max Woosey said: “It’s so exciting to visit Number 10 and meet the Prime Minister. Although I can’t see myself ever sleeping in an actual bed again, I didn’t expect my adventure to bring me to one of the most famous addresses in the world! I hope my camping efforts will inspire children and families across the country to support Boycott your Bed.”
Melanie Armstrong, Action for Children’s chief executive said: “It’s been a very tough year, but Max and his trusty tent have been a shining light to children all over the UK. We want every child to have a safe and happy childhood and are delighted that the Prime Minister is able to meet Max today. We would love families to follow Max’s example and support Boycott your Bed to help children who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.”
Tonight, Action for Children will host a virtual event, which connects everyone who registers with thousands of others who will be bedding down in unusual places across the UK.
The live night of entertainment and activities will see magician Dynamo casting his spell live from the studio. He’ll be joined a host of famous faces including Jess Hynes, Lydia Bright, Jake Quickenden, Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice and Luba Mushtuk, TV presenter Laura Hamilton, Angela Rippon and DJ Charlotte de Carle for a night in aid of Action for Children. Charity ambassadors Larry Lamb and Jenny Agutter are also backing the campaign.
Sign up for Boycott your Bed and the money you raise can make children’s dreams of a safe and happy childhood come true. Visit www.boycottyourbed.co.uk/max for more information.
For more information please contact:
Emma Marshall: 07875 399 995 / [email protected]
Out of hours: 07802 806 679 / [email protected]
Clare Thorp: 07855 161 286 / [email protected]
Out of hours media number: 07802 806 679 / [email protected]
- Max's story so far
- Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 476 services in communities across the UK, the charity helps more than 387,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers a year. actionforchildren.org.uk
