Chestertons Gibraltar's Mike Nicholls raises £14,300 for veterans

A cathedral courtyard, one hundred sleeping bags, and a single very determined fundraiser from the Rock.

Mike Nicholls, CEO of Chestertons Gibraltar, spent a night sleeping outdoors at St Paul's Cathedral in London, taking part in The Big Sleep — an overnight fundraiser in support of Alabaré, a charity supporting veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Representing the Network

Mike joined over one hundred participants for the event, and came out as the evening's highest individual fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, clients and businesses across Gibraltar and the UK, he raised £14,300 for the charity.

As one of the leading fundraisers, he was invited to a breakfast reception at Mansion House, hosted by the Lady Mayoress, Dame Susan Langley, alongside Alabaré's supporters and sponsors.

A Personal Connection to Gibraltar

The evening opened with Evensong and a concert from the Salisbury Military Wives Choir, before participants settled into sleeping bags on the cathedral grounds — until a 4.30am thunderstorm soaked everyone through.

Two of the veterans who spoke during the evening had a direct connection to Gibraltar, having previously travelled to the Rock to help restore Lord Airey's Battery as part of Alabaré's rehabilitation programme. They spoke warmly of their time there.

Why it Mattered

For Mike, the discomfort of the night — hard ground, city noise, bells marking every quarter hour — was manageable. What changed things was the storm at 4.30am. Knowing that everyone present could return to a warm home after breakfast, while people sleeping rough every night have no such choice, brought the purpose of the evening sharply into focus.

Across the Chestertons network, moments like this are a reminder that the affiliates carrying our name are also active, engaged members of their own communities — from Gibraltar to every market we're proud to be part of.

Those who'd like to add to Mike's total can visit Mike's JustGiving page directly.

Beyond individual efforts like Mike's, the Chestertons Foundation supports charitable causes — including homelessness and rough sleeping initiatives — across the communities where the Chestertons network operates. Find out more about the ways we contribute.

Source: Chestertons Gibraltar, "Mike Nicholls Raises £14,300 After St Paul's Cathedral Big Sleep For Veterans," 28 June 2026.