Rough night for hardy fund-raisers

Photo: Picture by DARREN ROBINSON

ON the streets: (l-r) Neil Thomas, Mary Shannon, Jason McKenna, Sharon Tilburn, Kieran Walsh, Stephanie Cook and David Batchelor.

Hardy souls braved freezing temperatures to sleep rough outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall in aid of homeless young people.

They bedded down from 7pm to 7am to raise money for tenancy starter packs containing basic essentials such a pots and pans, kettles and light bulbs.

The fund-raisers are all staff and volunteers working in homelessness prevention for three organisations: the charity De Paul UK, the Threshold Housing Project and Positive Steps Oldham.

The packs will help young people who have previously been homeless and are moving into independent accommodation for the first time.

David Batchelor, a mediator with De Paul UK, said: “It was cold. I think it got to about zero — it certainly felt like it. Some of us managed to get some sleep. You get to the point where you are so tired you actually do sleep.

“I think we had it relatively easy. It didn’t rain and we only had it for one night.”

Businesses and individuals supplied the gang with food and drinks — with one person even bringing a curry.

They have raised about £800 so far. There is still time to donate at www.justgiving.com/inside-out .