Zzzzz ... Town’s Big Sleep Out is back again in 2019

HUDDERSFIELD Town chairman Dean Hoyle and wife Janet will again lead a mass sleep out to raise money for homeless people.

Last March Dean and Janet slept in the John Smith’s Stadium in the first ever Big Sleep Out.

Around 150 people – all of them sponsored to spend a night in the stands – raised a staggering £55,000.

Every penny went to the charities – Huddersfield Mission, the Welcome Centre, Batley Care & Drop-in, One Big Family, Batley Foodbank, Dewsbury Baptist Church and Winter Warmers.

The event is organised by the Town charity, the Town Foundation.

Such was the success of last year, the sleep out will return on Friday, March 8 next year – the night before Town’s home game against Bournemouth.

Those taking part are asked to raise at least £100 per person with 100% of funds raised going to support local homeless causes.

All running costs will be covered by Dean, ensuring every penny raised makes a difference.

Launching the Big Sleep Out 2019, Town Foundation trustee Janet said: “After seeing the overwhelming support of the Huddersfield Town supporters, alongside the incredible impact the Big Sleep Out had on homelessness charities, it was an event we just had to do again.

“As a Foundation we want to make a the John Smith’s Stadium and, inset, Bob Cryan, University of Huddersfield vice chancellor, settles in his bed out in the stands real difference in the community and helping to tackle homelessness is something that we really care about.

“Over the past season we’ve worked as hard as we can with the Fans for Foodbanks initiative, the Mission Meal vouchers and the Big Sleep Out. Everyone can see the impact that these schemes are having on the community, however the problem still exists, therefore we encourage everyone to support this cause.

“Homelessness is a very complicated issue; it’s not exclusive to people out on the street. There are so many people in our community who ‘sofa-surf’ or live in inadequate housing.

“The Huddersfield Mission is one example of a safe place in the heart of Huddersfield and does some wonderful work at tackling the underlying causes behind homelessness. We’re proud to support their work, alongside other local causes that will be granted funds too, which we plan to do over the long-term.”

As the weather gets colder, Mission Meal vouchers are on sale from the club’s retail outlets for just £3.50 each or three for £10.

Each voucher entitles the holder to a drink, a hot meal and a pudding in the welcoming atmosphere of the Mission Café, located on Lord Street in Huddersfield town centre, and all money made from the vouchers will be given directly to the Huddersfield Mission.

For further information on sponsorship or to sign-up for the Big Sleep Out email enquiries@htafcfoundation. com.