Couple to sleep in street to help homeless
A COUPLE from Southport will sleep on the street for a night in an attempt to raise money to feed the homeless.
Deborah-lyn Connolly Lloyd, 35, and Martin Lloyd, 34, are hoping to raise about £200 by completing the “street sleep”, all of which will be donated to The Soup Kitchen.
Southport Soup Kitchen is a volunteer-led charity which helps those in need four days each week.
It also reaches out to vulnerable families in the local area and provides hampers of basic food essentials to those who are struggling.
The “street sleep” will take place on Friday, May 25, and Deborah-lyn and Martin will spend the night in sleeping bags in the town centre.
They will be staying in welllit areas from 9pm, and walking around the town to keep warm.
They then plan to settle down at 11pm under a shelter in Lord Street, keeping as warm as possible by wearing multiple layers of clothing, hats and gloves and sitting on sleeping bags.
The couple, who have four children, plan to remain there until 9am the following day.
They decided to do this as they have almost become homeless themselves in the past, and want to help others who find themselves in this position.
Deborah-lyn explained: “We have lost our home every year we have been together, and have been genuinely worried about where we would live and almost ended up homeless.
“It can happen to anyone at all, our landlords just decided to sell on us.
“That’s the reason we help and we never judge.”
They hope that the event will help feed the homeless, as well as raising awareness of the issue.
In preparation for the “street sleep” the couple have been doing frequent dog walks in all weather conditions.
Deborah-lyn said: “The homeless are always on my mind, especially in bad weather.
“We will be taking extra coats with us, and some food, for if we come across other homeless while we are walking around.”
The pair also intend to record and document the experience, and distribute it on their social media channels.
To keep updated with their journey, or to submit a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deborah-lyn-connolly3.