Bramall Lane to Host Sleepout for Two Local Charities

10th April 2015

A sponsored sleepout on the pitch of Bramall Lane is taking place to raise money for two local Sheffield homeless charities.

More than 150 people have signed up to the Sleepout United, the first of its kind at Bramall Lane, which has been organised by Sheffield charities Roundabout and St Wilfrid's Centre. Roundabout provides assistance to more than 150 homeless young people in Sheffield aged 16-25 every day. The charity provides shelter, support and life skills, and offers advice and family mediation for those at risk of losing their home. St Wilfrid's Centre, located on Queens Road, support homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded adults in Sheffield, providing essential welfare services including food and clothing, together with personal development activities to develop life, social and employability skills. Organisers of the event, Amy Casbolt, fundraising co-ordinator at Roundabout, and Deb Leonard, development manager at St Wilfrid's Centre, said: -This is a unique opportunity for both charities to work collaboratively with Sheffield United and although 'Sleepout United' is just for one night, we hope that those taking part will gain an appreciation of what it's like to be homeless. The event will see entertainment, including performances from Dinnington Brass Band (8pm-9pm) and Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir (9pm-10pm), presentations from both charities, and guests, including Club legend Tony Currie, who will make a special appearance. Lights will then go out at 11pm where participants will sleep in designated areas around the pitch and concourse before the event finishes at 7am the following morning. Club staff members - including Mal Brannigan, managing director of Sheffield United, and Club mascot Captain Blade - as well as Miss South Yorkshire, Stephanie Hill, will join participants in bringing cardboard and sleeping bags to spend the night with in Bramall Lane. Mal Brannigan said: -We are proud to be hosting this unique event to raise money for two fantastic local causes. Both charities do tremendous work in the city and we hope this event also raises awareness of the ever increasing problem of homelessness and raises the profile for these two very deserving charities. -It's great to see a number of staff, sponsors and fans get behind the event and we thank them for their support.