Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am hosting and taking part in The Lady Mayoress’s Sleep Out at Guildhall Yard on Thursday 16 March 2023 to raise awareness of homelessness in the City and to fundraise for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and The Pret Foundation.

You might ask why I am voluntarily swapping my comfortable bed in Mansion House for a sleeping bag under the stars on a cold spring night. Having taken part in the first Guildhall sleep out last year, I was so inspired by the camaraderie and fundraising efforts that I wanted to host an event myself to continue raising awareness of this important issue, one that is so much bigger than many realise. On 16 March it will be cold, it may well be wet but we will stick it out whatever the weather!

This year, 50% of the net proceeds of the event will be donated to The Pret Foundation who tackle hunger, poverty and homelessness in communities local to Pret shops in the UK and around the world. They make sure Pret’s freshly made unsold food reaches people who need it most, offer financial support to grassroots charities and provide training and employment opportunities. The 50% balance of net proceeds will go to The Lord Mayor's Appeal and its beneficiary charities, some of which focus on mental health issues which are often one of the main causes of homelessness. With the partnership of the Foundation we are hoping to double the number of participants to 200, and thus double the funds raised!

My personal target is to raise £10,000 but I need your help to achieve this. Any donations, however big or small, will be received with immense gratitude.

If you would prefer to join me, to challenge yourself and take part in the Sleep Out please visit www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/sleepout2023 to sign up.

Thank you so much for any support you feel able to give.

Felicity Lyons
The Lady Mayoress