YMCA Derbyshire hosts another successful Sleep Easy Event

YMCA Derbyshire successfully hosted its fifteenth annual Sleep Easy event last month at Derbyshire County Cricket Ground, raising more than £37,000.

Over 80 brave participants took up the challenge and spent the night in makeshift shelters, cardboard boxes and sleeping bags.

Businesses and individuals generously donated food, drinks and other essential supplies throughout the night.

Grace Harrison, development director at YMCA Derbyshire expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, saying: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support for our Sleep Easy event, and extremely grateful that year after year people are willing to spend the night outside for our cause.

“The money raised will go towards counselling, diversionary activities including sports, arts and crafts, providing a range of horticulture opportunities at our Community Gardens, wellbeing support, volunteer opportunities and work placement programmes. All with the aim of supporting those we serve to move along their positive pathways, enabling them to belong, contribute and thrive.”

YMCA Derbyshire has thanked everyone that took part, including the many business partners and organisations that once again stepped up to the plate to sleep out, so that others won’t have including Bondholders X-Press Legal Services, Vaillant, Hardy Signs, Derby Cathedral, The Alternative Board and Repton School.

Sarah Eversfield, Housemistress of Mitre House at Repton School said: “Sleeping under cardboard in support of YMCA Derbyshire was a memorable and thought-provoking experience for our thirteen lower sixth girls.

“The girls enjoyed meeting YMCA staff, building their cardboard castles and finding out more about YMCA Derbyshire’s valuable work in the local community. We are very proud of their fundraising efforts, totalling over £7,800.”

Ben Wheeler from X-Press Legal Services said it was a “helluva night” and added: “It was only one night, but a significant eye opener. Once again, many thanks to those who supported me. Much appreciated. And a huge thanks to YMCA Derbyshire for all that they did to make the event a success.”

For more information about YMCA Derbyshire and how you can support Sleep Easy visit www.ymcaderbyshire.org.uk/sleep-easy/.