Sleepout 2016’s two degree night

The 23^rd Sleepout at St Albans Abbey overnight on Friday 2nd December drew over 330 sleepers raising money for eleven charities across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

They joined the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of St Albans and the MP for South West Beds Andrew Selous. The Mayors of Stevenage and Berkhamsted were also present earlier in the night to give their support.

 The Coordinator of the Sleep out, Brian Peyton said:

“This year saw the participation of 21 youth groups, more than usual, and over 40% of those taking part were under 18 years of age. The atmosphere, as always at the Sleepout, was a happy one with the crypt of the cathedral being turned into a Cafe where hot refreshments were served by the Mothers’ Union throughout the night. The weather was kinder than usual with temperatures around 5 Celsius at midnight as sleepers bedded down, but falling to around 2 degrees in the middle of the night before rising again by dawn. 

 “We can never forecast the amount that the sleepers will raise in sponsorship, but going on past performance our supporters are very generous and so we are hoping for another bumper figure. Last year over £53,600 was raised to help homeless people, so here’s hoping for this year”.

 Anyone who did not participate in the Sleep out may still contribute to the homeless charity of their choice by going on line to www.abbeysleepout.org where details contact details can be found of those charities the Sleep out is supporting.