THE FIRST person to sign up for this year's Big Sleep Out is a 23 year-old Blessed Hugh Faringdon alumnus.

Ryan Sheehan registered for the event, which aims to raise awareness about the plight of homeless people and is organised by charity Launchpad, after seeing on advert on Twitter.

Stirred into action by a Sports Relief programme on social inequality, on Friday August 19 Mr Sheehan will forgo his bed for a night outside Queen Anne's School in Caversham to gain a greater understanding of life on the streets and in a bid to top the £15,000 raised at last year's Sleep Out.

The Reading resident's resolve was confirmed when he went to homeless pathway presentation which stressed that many homeless people do not live on the streets, but find shelter on friend's sofas or in B&Bs.

Ele Buckley, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said: “We were thrilled to have such an early sign up to the Big Sleep Out and it sounds like Ryan is going to be an amazing advocate for Launchpad when he tells family and friends what he’s doing and why.

“Hopefully plenty more Ryans will be inspired to sign up and we can make this the most successful Sleep Out so far.”

To sign up to the Big Sleep Out, go to www.launchpadreading.org.uk or email eleanor.buckley@launchpadreading.org.uk