Rotherham’s charity sleep-out is back

RUNAWAYS charity SAFE@LAST has launched its annual hunt for kind-hearted Rotherham folk to sleep for one night so young runaways do not have to.

The BIG Sleepout event will return to Parkgate Shopping for the seventh year on Friday, October 18.

The event aims to give participants an insight into what it could be like for the many thousands of young runaways who find themselves sleeping rough.

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

Nearly 150 supporters slept rough at the event in 2012 to raise funds and awareness to support the estimated 4,000 children and young people in South Yorkshire that run away from home each year.

This year the charity hopes to have more people than ever before taking part and is urging those who haven’t already to sign up.

Tracy Haycox from SAFE@LAST said: “We’re pleased to be returning to Parkgate Shopping for the BIG Sleepout which is a very important event in our calendar, both in terms of fund-raising and awareness raising.

“It’s an opportunity for our supporters to experience just a flavour of the feelings and emotions a young runaway may face.”

Since the first BIG Sleepout in 2007, over 1,000 people have taken part and slept rough for one night, raising over £70,000.

To sign up, call SAFE@LAST on 01909 566977 or visit www.thebigsleepout.co.uk.