Stand With
Three members of the Cumberland & Westmorland Freemasons have successfully completed a three‑night challenge to raise awareness of the hardships faced by homeless veterans. Sleeping rough across the county, they set out to gain a deeper understanding of the physical and psychological pressures many former service personnel endure. Although the experience could never fully mirror the reality of life on the streets, the Cumbrian Freemasons Veterans Challenge, developed in partnership with the Rawthey Project, was designed to offer meaningful insight into those struggles.
Participants also faced a simulated arrest for breaching probation conditions, reflecting the difficult situations some veterans encounter when the structure of military life disappears and they become vulnerable to petty crime.
Their demanding journey concluded at Workington Masonic Hall, where they were welcomed by family, friends, the Head of the Freemasons Nick Wilson, and Brian Capstick, Founder and Project Manager of the Rawthey Project. The charity provides life‑changing support to vulnerable veterans and emergency service personnel.
Brian Capstick , 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 many face upon discharge, particularly those with mental health challenges. While the Armed Forces initiative is a positive step, he warned that some organisations treat it as a “vanity badge” rather than a commitment. In contrast, he praised the Freemasons for demonstrating genuine dedication: “You put yourselves in the hurt locker to understand the realities of life as a homeless veteran.”
Brian introduced Paul, a former soldier who began his career with the Royal Scots before transferring to reconnaissance alongside the SAS. In 2006, Paul suffered a traumatic brain injury and has been in “survival mode” ever since. After 23 years of service, he was discharged in 2017. Back home in Edinburgh, he was prescribed medication so strong it created an opium‑level dependency, eventually leading to him being sectioned. His consultant has stated that medication alone will not heal him, he needs a community. Brian told the Freemasons, “You are very much part of that community. Paul saw you put yourselves in the hurt locker.”
He also introduced Sharne, who joined the project only a week ago. A former member of HMS Ark Royal, she is a survivor of serious sexual trauma. The project now provides her with a safe space and the support she needs to rebuild.
The challenge acknowledged that three days could not replicate the paranoia, depression, and complex mental health struggles many veterans face. Nor could it mirror the effects of heavy medication or the alcohol some rely on to cope. But the physical hardship of long walks, roadside exposure, and nights spent sleeping rough ensured some degradation and offered a glimpse into the pressures veterans endure daily.
The three “Champions” who completed the challenge, Stephen Lawton, James Lowther, and Scott Norris,each shared their reflections on experiences most people will never face.
James Lowther described the challenge as “an eye‑opener,” highlighting the isolation felt by many leaving the Army with no immediate support. He recalled learning of a veteran who spent three months on the streets before his parents found him. Without a mobile phone, he had no way to access essential services. The experience deepened James’s appreciation for the heroes who lack the support others take for granted.
Scott Norris spoke of the physical and mental toll: “Walking 38 miles carrying a backpack is exhausting, especially when you’re not eating properly and trying to find somewhere safe to sleep.” His first night was spent in a hut on Silloth Golf Course. “You’re on your own, pitch black, no idea who’s out there, and your mind starts playing tricks on you.” After a long trek to Maryport, he slept in an open seafront shelter. Feeling vulnerable, his fears were confirmed when someone ran into the shelter at 1 a.m. with a torch before running out again. With his arms trapped inside his sleeping bag, Scott knew he would have been unable to defend himself.
Stephen Lawton emphasised the strain of walking the equivalent of three marathons in three days. Sleeping under a bench, he reflected on the sense of living in a different world—isolated and disconnected from the fast‑moving life around him. While trying unsuccessfully to hitch a lift, he felt the divide between his temporary hardship and the permanent reality faced by homeless veterans. He knew he would soon return home to his family and a warm bath, but many veterans have no such ending in sight.
Nick Wilson, Head of the Cumberland & Westmorland Freemasons, praised the three Champions, describing their efforts as “amazing.” He acknowledged the courage required to live the experience and reaffirmed the Freemasons’ commitment to ongoing support.
Brian closed the event with heartfelt thanks: “The support by the Freemasons communityin Cumberland & Westmorland is deeply respected, not least by the 847 beneficiaries who have received help from the Rawthey Project so far. Your contribution shows through actions that you are not just a badge on a document. You’re doing it.”
