A team from Ridley and Hall signed up for The Big Sleep Out. Organised by the Huddersfield Town Foundation it took place on Friday 9 March 2018 with 150 fundraisers descending on the John Smith’s Stadium to spend a night braving the outdoors in one of the stands.

Money raised from the initiative will be used to benefit several different homeless causes in the local surrounding area.

Nigel, Adam, Anthony and Abbie pledged at the outset to raise a minimum of £400.00. The final amount raised was in fact more than double at £908.25. The Town Foundation has confirmed the total amount raised from the Big Sleep Out was £55,258.

Huddersfield Mission will be the main beneficiary, with their share of the money being used to support them as they provide their advice and support service to the people of Huddersfield. The Huddersfield Mission also run a café that provides good quality meals at very affordable prices.

The other charities that will benefit from the money raised from the Big Sleep Out are the Welcome Centre in Huddersfield, Batley Care & Drop In, Batley Food Bank and One Big Family.

Adam said: “The extreme weather conditions this winter have really brought it home to us about the challenges facing those living out on the streets of Huddersfield and beyond. The Big Sleep Out took place on a very wet and cold wintry evening. Sleeping (or the lack of sleep) out on terraces at the stadium was uncomfortable and a bleak reminder of the challenges that homelessness poses. The support and sponsorship we have received was fantastic and demonstrates just how much the issue concerns the general public.”

Plans are already in place for next year’s event.

From left to right –  Adam Fletcher – Director and Head of Huddersfield Nigel Priestley  (Senior Partner)

Anthony Elston – (Finance Director) Abbie Priestley (Administrator  – in the sleeping bag)