Three Freemasons have completed a three-night challenge to highlight the realities faced by homeless veterans.
James Lowther, Scott Norris and Stephen Lawton slept rough across Cumbria to gain a deeper understanding of the physical hardship, psychological strain, and social isolation endured by many former service personnel.
The initiative, created in partnership with the Rawthey Project, acknowledged that no short challenge could fully replicate life on the streets, the Cumbrian Freemasons Veterans Challenge was designed to provide meaningful insight into the struggles.
The trio also underwent a simulated arrest for breaching probation conditions, a scenario reflecting the difficulties some veterans encounter when the structure of military life disappears, leaving them vulnerable to petty crime and unstable circumstances.
James said the experience was eye-opening and Scott spoke of the physical and emotional toll.
He said: “Walking 38 miles with a backpack is exhausting, especially when you’re not eating properly and trying to find somewhere safe to sleep.”
He shared moments of fear, including an incident where someone ran into his seafront shelter at 1am while he lay in his sleeping bag and unable to defend himself.
Stephen said it was a strain to walk the equivalent of three marathons in three days. Sleeping under a bench, he said he felt disconnected from the fast‑moving world around him.
The challenge ended at Workington Masonic Hall, where the three participants were welcomed by family, friends, head of the Freemasons Nick Wilson, and Brian Capstick, founder and project manager of the Rawthey Project.
The charity provides vital, life‑changing support to vulnerable veterans and emergency service personnel.
Brian, who served 17 years in the army, founded the Rawthey Project in 2014 after reviewing the experiences of veterans within the criminal justice system.
He highlighted the fragmented support often faced by service leavers, particularly those living with mental health challenges.
During the event, Brian introduced two beneficiaries of the project.
Mr Capstick said: “The support by the Freemasons community in Cumberland & Westmorland is deeply respected, not least by the 847 beneficiaries the Rawthey Project has helped so far. Your contribution shows through actions that you are not just a badge on a document. You’re doing it.”
Neil Dixon, spokesman for Cumbria Freemasons, said-“This challenge reinforces something we hold deeply, that support for veterans must be more than words.
“Our three members chose to step outside of their comfort zone to better understand the struggles many veterans face every day.
“Their dedication reflects the values we stand for across our organisation, and we are immensely proud of their efforts and of the partnership with the Rawthey Project.”
