Volunteers serve up three course Valentine's dinner to 40 rough sleepers in Northampton

Stan Robertson of Kingsley - who was homeless when he was eight years old - coordinated the Valentines Day-themed event at All Saints Church yesterday evening (Tuesday, February 13), which fed over 40 rough sleepers in our town centre.

Tables and chairs were set up outside the church where 20 volunteers served each of the homeless community a starter, a main course - which included barbequed meat, potatoes and vegetables - and a dessert.

Stan said: "We set up the dinner to install value and self-worth in our homeless community.

"One ten-year-old called Anya hand-drew Valentine's cards for everyone who attended, which went down really well."

Stan, who set up 'Project 16:15 Homeless Breakfast Delivery' on Facebook, cooks up 24 eggs, one kilo of bacon and 24 sausages to the most vulnerable people who are sleeping in and around Abington Street at 6.30am every morning.

He added: "The whole evening was a clear indication of how Northampton has a beating heart of compassion for those in need and vulnerable. I am planning another event for Easter and still do the breakfasts every morning.

"I am also looking to raise support for a 24-hour facility giving all these guys access to toilets, showers, washing machines and lockers."

The Castle Hill United Reformed Church, Hope Centre, 100 ladles and Street Angels were some of the organisations who lent a hand yesterday night.

Guests on the night included the mayor of Northampton, Councillor Gareth Eales, mayoress Councillor Terrie Eales and Father Oliver Coss.

For more information, visit Stan's website: www.project1615.life