Charity rough sleepers defy rain to help needy
HUNDREDS of people braved the rain and cold to sleep rough in Burton – all in the name of charity.
The 10th Burton YMCA annual sleep-out was a huge success, despite the weather making it a very wet night for those who took part.
Hosted by the homeless charity, 240 people slept in the cold tunnels of the Pirelli Stadium or in the graveyard at St Modwen’s Church last Friday, helping to raise awareness of homelessness and bring in muchneeded funds for the YMCA.
The charity said there was a record-breaking number of registrations for this year’s event.
Ben Robinson, president of the YMCA and chairman of Burton Albion, welcomed participants and dignitaries, including the Mayor and Mayoress of East Staffordshire, Chris Smith and his wife Jane, to the stadium. Mr Robinson said: “This is a very important fund-raising event for the YMCA. The number of people sleeping rough has been growing and without the YMCA services our town would have an even greater homelessness problem.
“I thank you all for giving up your bed at home for one night. Please remember when you go back to the safety and comfort of your own home, there will be at least 12 people sleeping out in East Staffordshire that the YMCA is supporting.
“I am really pleased that Burton Albion Football Club and Burton Albion Community Trust can support this event. This will be our eighth year.” He went on to announce that £26,600 had been raised from the sleep-out so far, with many more donations pouring in.
Paul Laffey, chief executive of Burton YMCA, said: “The energy and atmosphere at Pirelli Stadium and St Modwen’s Church was incredibly positive and very lively. All participating, many for the first time, found the experience very humbling. It provided a taste of what people sleeping rough have to endure day and night, often for many months at a time. This was my tenth sleep-out for the charity and I joined all those brave souls willing to sleep under the stars on a very wet night at St Modwen’s Church graveyard.
“Everyone has been busy getting friends, family and colleagues to sponsor them to sleep out. We are really humbled.”
With representation from across the community, there were more than 40 business leaders in attendance, plus members of churches, schools and community groups, including 28 children. Pippa Gee, High Sheriff of Staffordshire, participated in a family team called The High Sheriff’s Posse. Matt Hancock, head of community at Burton Albion Community Trust, who slept out for the first time, said: “It’s been an incredible event.”
Jill Lanham, chairman of trustees at the YMCA, said: “Sleep-out 18 was the biggest event in our fund-raising history, with a record-breaking night for registrations. YMCA Burton hopes to raise £50,000 towards supporting homelessness and some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”