Boy, 13, who camped in garden for three years to spend final night in a tent
Max received the Guinness World Record for the largest sum ever raised during a camp-out.
A 13-year-old boy has won a Guinness World Record after camping in his garden for three years.
Max Woosey – known as The Boy in the Tent – has raised £700,000 for his local hospice during the challenge after originally aiming for a target of £100.
His efforts provided the North Devon Hospice with 15 community nurses for an entire year, which is enough to help 500 patients get care in their own homes.
It is the largest sum ever raised from a camp-out and the teenager will spend his final stay outdoors tonight.
The 13-year-old battled chilly winters and summer heatwaves, foxes, slugs and snails – and was once even chased by a pheasant.
Max started sleeping in his garden on March 29, 2020, at the age of 10 after being inspired by a family friend Rick Abbott who died of cancer.
He gave Max a tent before his death and told him to ‘go have an adventure’.
Rick had received care at the North Devon Hospice, so Max decided to fulfil a promise to his friend and thank the hospice for its work.
‘The North Devon Hospice took such good care of him I wanted to do something to say thank you to them,’ Max said.
‘I am so excited to have this Guinness World Records title, it is every boy’s dream. It is incredible to be part of this very special club.
‘I have had the best three years of my life. There have been some struggles, but it has been an amazing experience and I have loved it from day one.
‘I only set out to have an adventure and raise £100. I hope people see that children are capable of a lot more than people think.’
During the adventure Max shared a cup of tea with Boris Johnson, camped in Twickenham Stadium and was a zookeeper for the night at ZSL London Zoo.
The hospice said in a statement: ‘Among some other well-deserved accolades, Max is now a Guinness World Records title holder, and we could not be more proud.
‘The boy who first pitched his tent in March 2020 has grown into a very impressive young man, who has helped to change the lives of so many.’
Stephen Roberts, chief executive of North Devon Hospice, said: ‘Often, it’s only when people see our care first-hand that they truly understand how much it means.
‘The Woosey family saw the level of care and support we were able to give Rick, to help him stay at home where he wanted to be, and to live his final days in comfort without pain. This sowed the seed of Max’s amazing adventure.’
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