Mum donates Colchester para son’s sleeping bag to fundraising boy

Joe Berry, 21, served with 2 Para who are based at Merville Barracks in Colchester.

He died of a non-battle injury while deployed on operations in Kabul in February last year just two weeks before he was due to return home.

His mum Lisa Snow has now donated Joe’s military sleeping to Max Woosey, 11, who has been living in a tent to raise money for a hospice in Devon.

Max has camped out in his garden for more than 270 days in memory of two family friends and has now raised nearly £150,000.

He was inspired after his friend and neighbour, Rick, gave him a tent shortly before he died of cancer in February 2019.

Rick, who was 74, told Max to have an adventure with it, so he decided to camp out in the garden of his family home in Braunton.

Lisa was so touched by Max’s story, she thought he was the perfect owner for Joe’s old piece of military kit.

She said Joe was just like Max when he was younger and enjoyed camping and the outdoors.

Joe Berry in the army

She added: “There were so many similarities that I felt it would be nice to reach out and offer some help with winter.

“We have all of Joe’s kit, I don’t want it just sat in the loft.

“I’d much prefer that it went to some use and I couldn’t think of any better use than to help Max out with his fundraising.”

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Lisa Snow with her son Joe's sleeping bag

Max said he was thrilled by the new piece of equipment.

He added: “I’m very proud of my new sleeping bag, it’s really warm and really good.

“It’s helping me get through the could months.

“I’m still sleeping in the tent and I’ll do a year, my last night will by March 28, but knowing me I’ll carry on and do more than a year.”

Max’s mum, Rachael, added: “Lisa had Joe’s sleeping bag and she saw Max’s story, and she wanted him to have it to keep warm in the winter months.

“Max loves it, it struck home with him as his sister is the same age as Joe and his dad’s in the military.

“He’s still slightly bemused because he thinks all he is doing is sleeping in a tent, where people like Joe are fighting for their country. Max think they’re the real heroes.”

Max Woosey in his sleeping bag donated by Lisa Snow in memory of son, Joe

The schoolboy has spent nearly all his time since last March in the tent, only coming inside for home-schooling lessons, to have dinner, or to wash.

All the money raised will be going to North Devon Hospice which has had its fundraising channels cut off by the ongoing pandemic.

So far, Max has raised £127,455 plus Gift Aid.

Anyone who wishes to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/max-woosey1.