I don't know about you, but I feel really uncomfortable when I see homeless people or rough sleepers out in Leicester (or any city). In 2020, we really shouldn't have poverty like this, but sadly we do. 

When I saw this event, I thought "I'm not brave enough" but then my buddy Steve Tempest challenged me and said he would do it with me. And then another joined, and another and another. So we have a team of 5 sleeping rough for one night in Leicester. 

The team is as follows: 

• Me, Steven Mather Solicitor
• Steve Tempest - Mortgage Advice Bureau Hinckley
• Maggie Hitchin - North Wiltshire Carpets
• Ben Humber - Breathe Payments
• George Tighe - GS Tighe Carpentry

Quite honestly, this is the biggest challenge I've ever done in my life. 12 hours in the potentially wet snowy winter cold - the most I've ever spent in the cold is walking from my car to my office! 

I've set a massive target here at £1000. I would love you to give big, bigger than you've ever given to charity before, push yourself to give BIG! I firmly believe that it will come back to you if you do. And more importantly, every £10 Charity Link raises unlocks £50 in funding which all goes to help local people. So if we could raise £1000 it would unlock £5000 of money direct to local vulnerable people. 

So please give generously! 

Imagine not being able to afford to turn on the heating, washing in cold water or going without a hot meal. Imagine sleeping on blankets on the floor because you don’t have a bed or deciding each night between “eating or heating” ….

This is the stark reality for many vulnerable local people.

By joining us for the unique experience of the Charity Link Sleepover, you will be helping to ensure that local people in need are warm, safe and fed this winter.

Join members of the Charity Link team and supporters from 8pm Friday 24th January – 8am Saturday 25^th January to sleep out at the charity court-yard in Leicester city centre on Millstone Lane. Whilst it’s a tough experience (little warmth, comfort or sleep!) we are sure there will be a great atmosphere, interesting chat and a unique sense of solidarity.

Warm drinks and soup will be provide and there is also a break-out room if you need to warm up or take some time out. Whilst the courtyard is outside, we do have a tunnel area to provide some shelter if it rains (or snows!). In the morning, there will be a warm breakfast cob to get you going.  You simply need warm clothing, a sleeping bag and a sense of adventure!

We first held the Charity Link Sleepover in January 2018 and it was a great success, raising vital funds (over £2,500!) whilst being a unique experience for those taking part. (Feedback can be found below).

The idea is that people come together to start the new year off by doing something special to help others.  By experiencing a little hardship for just one night (braving the cold of January and going without the usual comforts of a comfy warm bed) we raise funds to help provide the essentials that we all deserve, no matter what crisis, illness, disability or difficulty we may be facing.

http://charity-link.org/get-involved/events-challenges/charity-link-sleepover/

From the Charity: 

We believe that all local people deserve a decent standard of living, with a right to adequate food, shelter and the means to keep warm, clean and rested – no matter what difficulty they may be facing. We do this by finding funding to provide the essential items that everyone deserves.We can’t do this without the vital support of our donors. Every £10 donated unlocks £50 from charitable trusts and every single penny goes to help local people and children in need.