Trinity Winchester’s Big Sleep Out on 17th May saw 250 people come together to sleep in cardboard shelters in the grounds of the iconic Winchester Cathedral for the night, to raise funds and awareness to help support local homeless people.
Trinity’s Chief Executive, Sue McKenna, took part in the sleep out and said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support for Trinity’s Big Sleep Out this year, with 250 attendees it has been our biggest yet! We were worried when it started to rain in the evening, but that was all part of the challenge.
Thank you so much to the Cathedral for making us feel so welcome and allowing us to host this vital event in the grounds.”
Through corporate sponsorship from Paris Smith, participants raising money and donations throughout the evening, the amount raised is currently just over £30,000, with more money expected over the coming weeks.
Peter Taylor, Managing Partner at Paris Smith, said: “ It was a great experience and a real eye opener. I was mindful that it was very much a sanitised version of what far too many have to endure day after day, night after night, but for the support which Trinity and other charities so willingly offer. I was fortunate to go home, get warm, have a shower, rest in my bed and put on clean clothes!
“No one would choose to live life as a homeless and vulnerable person. There must be tragic and complex stories behind each person. I take my hat off to Trinity for all they do to help those in such need. It was a privilege to be part of the event and I thank Trinity very much for enriching my life as it has done. I found it a profound and humbling night.”
The event can still be supported at http://trinitywinchester.org.uk/donate-here - every penny will be put back into Trinity’s work providing long term, life-changing support for around 600 people every year.
