Devon's 'Boy in a Tent' marks final camp out

13-year-old Max Woosey is coming back indoors after three years

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 1st Apr 2023
Last updated 1st Apr 2023

Devon's 'Boy in a Tent' will finally return indoors this weekend, after three years of camping and fundraising for the North Devon Hospice.

13-year-old Max Woosey - from Braunton - has raised more than £700,000 for the charity since he first pitched his tent in March 2020.

Today (Saturday 1 April), Broomhill Estate and Sculpture Gardens is hosting 'Max's Final Camp Out Festival' - a day-long event celebrating Max's achievements.

There will be live music throughout the day, a silent disco in the woods, a party bus with DJs, cosplay and fancy dress competition, kids yoga, reptile handling, as well as a street food and a fully stocked bar along with non-alcoholic beverages for under 18s.

There’s also a never-before-seen movie memorabilia exhibition showcasing amazing authentic movie props costumes as well as special guest appearance from Predator actor Ian Whyte.

Max says: "The last three years have been a real adventure and I can’t believe the support I’ve received but it’s time to head indoors.

"Broomhill Estate is organising this most brilliant festival; it’s the perfect way to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, and to say goodbye to my tent (at least for now!)."

When did Max start camping out?

Max's adventure began at the start of the first lockdown when he was just 10-years-old after his neighbour Rick Abbot gave him a tent with strict instructions to 'have an adventure'.

Mr Abbot was diagnosed with terminal cancer soon after and passed away in February 2020.

Max's family supported Rick in his final months and were in awe of the care he received at North Devon Hospice.

The youngster began his camping adventures to fulfil his promise to his friend and thank the hospice for the work they do.

In the last three years he has received the Pride of Britain, Spirit of Adventure award and the Bear Grylls Chief Scout Unsung Hero award, both in 2021. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in May 2022 and has recently given a TedX talk.

Earlier this week, he also set the Guinness World Record for the biggest sum of money raised by camping.

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