ST HELENS is joining a national challenge set by a 12-year-old boy who has spent almost two years camping outside.

Linking up with Max Woosey's national campaign, the Newton and Earlestown Community Group is organising a 'Big Family Camp Out' at Wargrave Primary School on Saturday, March 26.

The date will celebrate the upcoming second anniversary since Max - dubbed the 'Boy in the Tent' - started camping outside on March 29, 2020.

After a family friend urged Max to have an "adventure" with a tent he gifted him shortly before he passed away, the 12-year-old set a challenge to camp in his garden every day and raise money for North Devon Hospice; the hospice that cared for him in his final days.

St Helens Star: Max Woosey has spent more than 700 nights in his tent since 2020 (PA)Max Woosey has spent more than 700 nights in his tent since 2020 (PA) (Image: PA)

Since that decision in the early days of the pandemic, Max has remained resolute and spent more than 700 nights outside, battling all seasons and obstacles that have come his way. 

During this time, Max has raised more than £680,000 for the Devon-based  hospice, received messages of support from celebrities such as Bear Grylls and been awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2021 New Years Honours list.

With his two-year camping anniversary coming up, Max has invited people all over the country to join him outside - wherever that may be - and raise money for their local hospice or charity of choice.

St Helens Star: Max's family volunteer for Willowbrook Hospice, and the youngster has spent time camping in the areaMax's family volunteer for Willowbrook Hospice, and the youngster has spent time camping in the area

With Max's auntie and grandparents seasoned volunteers at Willowbrook Hospice and the 12-year-old camping in the area when visiting family, people across St Helens have decided to answer his national call-out.

Encouraging families and people of all ages to get involved, the Newton and Earlestown Community Group ask for a £10 donation to Willowbrook Hospice and to bring your own camping equipment to their Family Camp Out later this month.

St Helens Star: Max Woosey has raised more than £680k and has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to charityMax Woosey has raised more than £680k and has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to charity

A spokesperson for Willowbrook Hospice said: "We’d really like to promote the Big Camp Out not only for the Newton Community Group who are raising money for Willowbrook, but also for local people to choose Willowbrook as their charity of choice when taking part.

"Fundraising has been very challenging over the last two years and this would be a fun way to raise money to help us carry on offering our vital services in the local community."

To sign up to the Big Family Camp Out, follow this link