If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have to sleep rough on the streets, the YMCA in Burton is bringing back its sleep-out event for another year to raise money for the charity.
The event, which will take place across the weekend of Friday, November 10, in Tamworth, and Saturday, November 11, in Burton, will give people the opportunity to find out for themselves what it feels like to be homeless and sleeping rough
Those sleeping rough in Tamworth will walk the 14 miles to Burton, camping out either in the tunnels of the Pirelli Stadium, home to Burton Albion Football Club, or in the graveyard at St Modwen's Church, in Burton's Market Place.
Last year saw a record-breaking 155 people take part, with volunteers ranging from as young as six years of age, right up to 75. Last year's event raised £33,602 for the YMCA which helps homeless people in the area.
Participants are being encouraged to take part in as much or as little of the weekend as they can by YMCA organisers, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
This year will see one of their youngest ever participants, four-year-old Effie Bowman, from Castle Gresley. In August, plucky Effie captured the hearts of Burton Mail readers when she took on a triathlon to raise money for charity.
She swam, ran and cycled her way through a four-mile bike ride, a 200-metre run and a 50-metre swim to raise £1,100; half of which was handed to the YMCA in Burton to help those in need.
Effie's mother, Donna Reid, said: "After meeting the YMCA Burton team earlier this month and having a tour of their facilities, Effie was inspired by their fabulous work in helping the homeless. Seeing the passion of the staff and observing where the money raised goes first hand has wanted her to raise even more for the charity.
"She was told a true story where some people who were homeless had their sleeping bags thrown in the river by mindless individuals. She has been really saddened that people would do such mean things and was so upset that some people have to sleep in boxes, that she says she wants to help raise more money to buy 'super warm sleeping bags', especially as it's getting colder.
"On hearing about the sleep-out she didn't hesitate to sign herself up. It's a great opportunity to help raise awareness for an issue that is often hidden but is sadly becoming more common. Hopefully lots of people will support the YMCA by signing up themselves or sponsoring this worthwhile cause."
Paula Senior, fund-raising officer for YMCA in Burton, has said that Effie was definitely the youngest person ever when she signed up for this year's sleep-out.
She said: "It was a pleasure to meet Effie and her family recently. Effie is so moved by the plight of others and demonstrates such a mature, selfless attitude to everyone, regardless of who they are. Meeting Effie has been a humbling experience for us all; her giggle, zest and enthusiasm for life and other people is fantastic.
"There was no hesitation in giving up her comfy bed for one night and registering to take part in sleep-out. Effie is our youngest participant signed up so far and will be joining many other people, families, teams and friends who are spending a night under the stars.
"She will be joined by her mum at the Pirelli Stadium on the Saturday. She is already thinking of additional ways to raise money to boost her fund-raising."
Anybody interested in signing up or finding out more about the night of rough sleeping should visit the Burton YMCA website online here.
What does the YMCA do?
The YMCA is one of the country’s largest charities that helps to support and turn around the lives of those who become homeless.
On a national scale, they supply more than 9,100 beds for those who have fallen on bad times, and have found themselves on the streets, without a home.
The charity says its firmly believes that every young person should have a safe place to stay and actively look to educate and support those who are in danger of getting in trouble.
Not only does the charity attempt to keep young people off the streets, but it also tries to give as much help and guidance as possible to educate those who they come across.
Burton YMCA
The YMCA has been credited as the largest voluntary sector provider of services in England and Wales which promotes health and wellbeing services.
By providing more than 270 health and wellbeing facilities, ranging from gyms and swimming polls to community halls and outdoor activity centres.
According to the charity, it supports more than 230,000 children and parents each year across the country, by delivering a number of family services including relationship services and nurseries.
