Hardy souls brave rain to sleep out for homelessness charity (From Surrey Comet)

Hardy souls take part in the YMCA’s Sleep Easy event in Kingston

10:40am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

Nearly 100 hardy souls braved the pouring rain to take part in the YMCA’s Sleep Easy event in Kingston on Saturday night, writes Tom Ambrose.

The event, in its fourth year, was organised by YMCA London South West, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness and Faith in Action who will use funds to work with homeless people.

But those who took part in the events, held in Kingston’s Memorial Gardens and Wimbledon’s Holy Trinity Church, refused to let the rain dampen their spirits.

YMCA chief executive Richard James said: “In terms of an event, it was very fun to be part of – if a little wet.

“Because of the terrible weather conditions, there was a real feeling of resilience and a ‘right, let’s do this’ attitude.

“The numbers were slightly down on previous years which is a shame but it was a terrific effort from all those who took part."

He estimates the events to have jointly raised between £10,000-£20,000 in sponsored donations which is split between the three organising groups.

Despite the weather, several groups reinforced their cardboard boxes, donated by Bentalls, as they fought to keep out the rain.

Mr James added: "Some of the designs were works of art that had been weeks in the planning.

"However one of the groups set up in the middle of the field and soon regretted that decision."

Sleep Easy is a nationwide fundraiser, with YMCAs all over the country running similar events between January and March.

To donate, visit www.ymcalsw.org/pages/fundraisers.