RPL Employee Raises £700 for Homeless Veterans Through ‘Great Tommy Sleep Out’
Ricoh UK Products Ltd. (RPL) is incredibly proud to celebrate the efforts of Cheryl Watson, Toner Operator, who braved the cold and discomfort to take part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out 2025 — raising nearly £700 for the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), to support homeless veterans.
Taking place on 29 March 2025, the challenge saw Cheryl spend 24 hours ‘sleeping rough’ around the Telford area to raise awareness and vital funds for those who have served our country but now face life without shelter or support.
Cheryl shared the deeply personal motivation behind her challenge:
“I'm a veteran’s mother, so I know first-hand that many of our veterans suffer when leaving the forces – not only with injuries inflicted from service and PTSD, but also with the ability to live as a civilian after their service is complete.
“The suicide rate amongst young veterans is up to four times higher than the general population and around one in every 400 who serve will sleep rough or be homeless at some time in their lives.
“Therefore, I planned to join them for a full 24-hour period — sleeping rough around Telford.”
Following the event, Cheryl reflected on her experience:
“I did it! It was cold and scary at times — I felt vulnerable… Definitely not something I'd like to have to do on a regular basis.
“It made me realise how hard it can be for our homeless veterans. The adjustment from military to civilian life must have a massive impact on their mental health. After serving our country, to be left out in the cold... It’s heartbreaking.”
She added: “A big thank you from myself for all your donations and kind words.”
About the ‘Great Tommy Sleep Out’
The Great Tommy Sleep Out is an annual fundraising campaign hosted by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI). Every March, people across the UK sleep outside for a night to support the thousands of veterans facing homelessness.
Participants not only raise money, but also raise awareness of the mental health challenges, financial difficulties, and social isolation that many ex-service personnel face.
About RBLI
Royal British Legion Industries is a national charity supporting the Armed Forces community and those with disabilities or health conditions. Their services include emergency accommodation, employability support, and tailored guidance to help former service members reintegrate into civilian life.
Through their Veterans Village, employment programmes, and mental health initiatives, RBLI provides a lifeline for those struggling after service.
Further Support
If you would like to support Cheryl’s incredible effort and contribute to the cause, there’s still time to donate. Your contribution could make a real difference in the lives of homeless veterans.
A huge well done to Cheryl from all at Ricoh UK Products Ltd — your dedication, empathy, and courage has inspired us all!
| About RICOH
RICOH is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimise business performance.
Headquartered in Tokyo, RICOH’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2024, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,348 billion yen (approx. 15.5 billion USD).
It is RICOH’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfilment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future.
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com
| About Ricoh UK Products Ltd
With a rich manufacturing and innovation heritage, Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) is a leading provider of print and imaging solutions, ink and digital supplies and bespoke technical services.
With operations in Telford and Stirling, RPL supports customers across the EMEA region with a multitude of product and service offerings in addition to knowledge sharing and co-creation activities.
As such, RPL brings together employees, customers and partners to optimise today’s world of print and influence the digital print applications and services of the future, enabling new shared value and organisational capabilities.
For further information, please visit https://ukproducts.ricoh.com/
© 2025 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. All rights reserved. All referenced products and/or service names are the trademarks of their respective companies.