#BigSleepOut

Rocking up with piles of thermals, sleeping bags and a HUGE roll of bubble wrap, we can’t hand on heart pretend that we had an entirely authentic experience, but having had just a tiny insight into what it must be like to sleep rough in the UK winter, I can safely say that none of us want to try it again!

Despite the cold and drizzle, there was a great atmosphere in the car park in Hillingdon where the event took place. As we arrived we were handed our box ration (2 boxes each) and set up ‘camp’ in a corner. Once our boxes were set up, we were free to enjoy some of the entertainment and talks from people who had been personally helped by the money raised in previous years, oh and from ambassador Russell Brand too, of course…

At 12.00 sharp it was lights out and time for everyone to face the unexpectedly awkward task of getting into our boxes which required a large amount of team work, wet socks and claustrophobia!

It was certainly not the best night’s sleep that any of us have ever had and come 6.00am it was quite a relief to be able to grab a cup of tea, pack up our gear and head home to our nice warm beds. However, there was a great sense of achievement from everyone and it was all worthwhile when we smashed our fundraising target.

And on that note, we’d like to thank everyone who sponsored us and helped to keep these amazing and lifesaving homeless projects going in our community.

It certainly helped us to appreciate what some people have to cope with day after day and to remember that #ItCouldBeMe