Denise Hunter
Denise's page
Fundraising for YMCA Norfolk
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
(Getting prepared for tonight, I loved last year soooo much I am doing it again this year.)
Hi there; my name is Denise Hunter, and I have been working for the YMCA for roughly 7 years as a Resettlement Officer in the Supported Lodgings Team. I feel very passionate about the work that the YMCA does, and it's a privilege to work with such wonderful people. However, I have always had a roof over my head, but many of the young people who we support have not been this fortunate. Not only will the experience of 'sleeping rough' - if only for one night - give me a better insight into the lives of those who have had to do it for real, but it is also a personal way for me to help by contributing a few pounds towards the building of forty self contained move-on units on Bethel Street, Norwich. My long-suffering friend, Lilly, will also be taking part with me. Lilly does not work for the YMCA but is always happy to support me in whatever I do.
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So please dig deep and donate now.
Hi...just a quick update, after the event. It was an experience I can say that. We all arrived with lots of layers and sleeping bags and were given boxes to make some sort of shelter..this in itself felt like we were taking part in a round from the Krypton Factor! There were many laughs and a sense of camaraderie as we all settled down for the night. it was about 1.40am that I became really aware of the cold and that no-one was laughing any more. Through the early hours it became very difficult. The cold, damp air began to penetrate my layers and the hard surface of the car park gave no comfort. I was very aware of the sounds of the city, siren wailing,people shouting etc. Some members of the group were frightened in case we were visited by rats and were on a state of alert with every rustle or movement.
Getting up as daylight broke, I felt quite disorientated and dizzy, my toes were stinging with cold, my body ached and I was oh so tired. But then we all got to go home, to the warmth and comfort of our four walls, roof, heating and a bed.
My heart absolutely aches for anyone who has to sleep rough for real, not just for one night with mates as we did, but alone..because had I have been alone I would have felt terrified...not only are they alone but they have days to fill, often with no-where to go and then they must go through the night again and again.....