An annual event that sees volunteers brave the cold by sleeping outside in Reading went ahead last weekend.

The event, called the Big Sleep Out, involves volunteers sleeping in the open in Reading Abbey Ruins, with a celebration held in St Laurence Church ready for the ordeal.

The sleep out occurred on Saturday, October 8 this year.

Launchpad had hoped to raise £40,000 and have 150 participants, but the numbers were whittled down to a core of 30 volunteers who took part with a total of £18,000 raised so far.

Among those sleeping out were Reading mayor councillor Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley) and deputy mayor cllr Deborah Edwards (Labour, Southcote). 

They were joined by Green councillors Rob White, representative for Park ward, Louise Keane and Doug Creswell, both Katesgrove ward representatives.

Other big names joining the sleepers were TV’s Danyl Johnson, the singer who became famous for appearing on X Factor, and fellow on-screen celeb Matt Allwright, known for presenting TV shows including Watchdog and Rogue Traders.

Launchpad fundraising manager Vicki Lewis said: “There were fewer people taking part in this year’s Big Sleep Out than ever before – which we think is down to the rising cost of living and after-effects of the pandemic.

“People are likely to be reluctant to ask their friends, colleagues and family for donations during such difficult times, and many of the local businesses who have taken part in the Big Sleep Out in the past are still working from home – so engaging with them has remained a challenge for us.

“But we are still thrilled the event raised over £18,000 – it’s an incredible result, especially given the number of people who slept out.

“We can’t thank our brave participants enough for their support and dedication – it was a cold, damp night!

“Because of them, many people in Reading who will face housing crisis because they can’t make ends meet, can receive the urgent help they need from Launchpad.

“Our services are a lifeline to over 1,100 local people every year, and over the next few months we know there are going to many more people who find themselves on the brink of homelessness and in desperate need of our support.”

The Big Sleep Out happens every year, but ‘went online’ in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Although the fundraising target has not yet been achieved, there is still time to donate on the Launchpad website [launchpadreading.org.uk].

Cllr Rob White the leader of the opposition, said: “It was great to take part in the Big Sleep Out at the weekend to raise money for Launchpad and tackling homelessness. Between us the Green councillor team raised £1,105, and overall the event has raised £18,000 so far.

“There is still time to donate if you can spare a few pounds.

“With the cost of living crisis Launchpad are helping an ever increasing number of our residents in danger of being made homeless.

“Green councillors will keep working for a fairer town.

“We need better funded, decent public services and adequate social housing to properly tackle homelessness once and for all.”