Northampton public set new record at Big Sleep Out

Northampton's public have set a new fundraising record by sleeping rough in a charity event for homelessness in the town.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Feb 2017, 17:59 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:20 BST
Some cardboard shelters held up to 10 people.Some cardboard shelters held up to 10 people.
Some cardboard shelters held up to 10 people.

More than 170 people slept in cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting in below-freezing temperatures on Abington Park to raise money for Northampton Hope Centre.

It has been confirmed that over £45,000 was raised on the evening on January 30, breaking the target of £40,000 and setting a new record for the event.

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Tanya Haji-Miller, community fundraiser for Northampton Hope Centre, said: "After doing my sums for this week, I am delighted to tell you that we have just passed £45,000 for the amount raised for the SleepOut 2017. Very well done to everyone involved.

The Big Sleep Out is an annual event to raise funds for the Northampton Hope Centre.The Big Sleep Out is an annual event to raise funds for the Northampton Hope Centre.
The Big Sleep Out is an annual event to raise funds for the Northampton Hope Centre.

The Northampton Hope Centre is a charity that helps shelter and feed homeless people and are working to end the town's rough sleeping problem.

Adrian Pryce, chairman of the Northampton Hope Centre, said: "I'm so pleased with the turnout. We have 170 people out here, which is a record for the Big Sleep Out. It's our single biggest fundraiser event of the year and the support we've had has been very encouraging.

"We see 100 clients a day at the Hope Centre, and some 1,200 a year. We word not only to alleviate homelessness but also prevent it and help reintegrate our clients and get them off the streets for good.

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"I'd like to say a massive thank you to the Northampton public for participating, and to everyone supporting them tonight with their donations."

Michael Timkin, 74, was once homeless himself. He was the oldest person at the event.Michael Timkin, 74, was once homeless himself. He was the oldest person at the event.
Michael Timkin, 74, was once homeless himself. He was the oldest person at the event.

Councillor Tony Ansell, who owns The Park Cafe, said: "The thing about homeless people is they are still my constituents. This is a way to help them properly and at the end of the day, it's about raising funds for and raising the profile of the Northampton Hope Centre.

"Rough sleeping is a serious problem in the town but we can solve it. I think it's wonderful for everyone to come out in the extreme conditions and each and every one of them deserves to be applauded."

Robin Burgess, chief executive officer of the Northampton Hope Centre, said: "Anyone can end up homeless. And there are people here tonight who have been through it. Some people think it's always drugs and alcohol but it happens for so many reasons. The landlord puts the rent up. Their husband punches them and they run away. Their parents kick them out. It doesn't take a minute for it to happen."

A night shelter for rough sleepers also opened its doors on St Andrew's Road on February 6.

Related topics:Northampton Hope Centre