A CHARITY boss who has spent a week on the streets to help raise money for animals in need has told of how he faced abuse and threatening behaviour.

Kevan Hodges, CEO of the Ferne Animal Sanctuary, spent seven days camping outside the cash-strapped charity’s stores across the region - including in Wellington.

Mr Hodges praised the town for accounting for the largest number of on-street donations, where he said he a number of “lovely” conversations with passers by.

But the fund-raising campaign hasn’t been smooth sailing, with Mr Hodges revealing people attempted to carry away the tent - with him in it - and revving their car engines at him as he tried to sleep.

Speaking to the Wellington Weekly, Mr Hodges said: “I have been clear that I am raising awareness and not trying to copy the distress, fear, and confusion that the animals must feel when left, abandoned and friendless on the streets. I have choices, they do not.

“Throughout the sleepout I have experienced the effect of constant noise and streetlights causing sleep deprivation; there have been people trying to lift the tent with me in it; I’ve had cars rev their engines and purposefully screech past the tent; overhear people talking of coming back to steal it; or simply call at me until I respond to ask if I was asleep.

“I wish! But I always had the option to retreat to the store if I felt threatened; the animals don’t and that’s why Ferne is so important.”

The charity boss launched the eye-catching campaign amid major financial woes for Ferne, which is facing a £100,000 cash shortfall. The charity says its animal sanctuary on the Blackdown Hills is under threat as a result.

Speaking about the work the charity carries out, Mr Hodges said: “We sadly rescue hundreds of animals every year, many of which are left outside and alone in cold and wet conditions to fend for themselves.

“Although it’s not close to the cruel situations our animals have overcome, on their behalf, I am sleeping rough to not only raise awareness to the bravery and resilience of Ferne’s rescues, but to raise life-saving funds for every surrendered, neglected and abandoned animal in our care. Today (Tuesday, June 25) – I finish my last and seventh night of sleeping out to raise donations for our Ferne animals!

“Thank you to all those that have supported us – each and every donation if a life-changing chance for the animals at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.”

Praising the town for its contribution to the campaign, he added: “Thank you to the local Wellington community for being so welcoming during my sleep out in the town centre, outside of our Ferne Animal Sanctuary charity shop located on Fore Street.

“It was lovely to receive so much support during the sleep out on Sunday, which was the fifth consecutive night of sleeping rough outside seven of our eight charity shops across Somerset and Devon and Dorset to raise vital donations for our animals in need.”