GALLERY: Dozens sleep rough for charity

More than 160 fund-raisers braved the cold of an October night last Friday as they snuggled into sleeping bags for SAFE@LAST’s latest BIG Sleepout.

The BIG Sleepout was held at Parkgate Shopping for the fifth time, with the number having spent the night on the pavement since 2007 now numbering in the hundreds.

This year was also the first time all four South Yorkshire boroughs have held their own Sleepouts to raise cash for SAFE@LAST, which supports young people who have run away or who are at risk of running away from home.

The BIG Sleepout gives supporters a small taste of what spending a night on the streets might be like for a young runaway who feels they have no choice but to sleep rough.

Those taking part have to forgo all comforts for the night as they are only allowed basic items to keep warm such as a sleeping bag and cardboard box.

As well as bringing in much-needed funds, the annual event raises awareness of the thousands of young runaways who feel they have no alternative to sleeping rough.

Among those taking part were the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Dave Pickering and Mrs Sue Pickering and Lady Gaga impersonator Leanne Green.

SAFE@LAST operations director Mark Smith said: “This is one of our signature events and we're grateful that the people of Rotherham and Parkgate Shopping have supported it for so many years. 

“We had an excellent turnout this year and it was good to see familiar faces and lots of new supporters. 

“We hope the event will over £7,000 which will help us to continue our work with young runaways. 

“In this current economic climate fundraising is more challenging than ever, but we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be here for vulnerable children who feel they have no alternative but to run away.”