David Sergeant tries to keep warm during the big PNE Sleep out at Deepdale. Photo: Kelvin Lister-StuttardDavid Sergeant tries to keep warm during the big PNE Sleep out at Deepdale. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
David Sergeant tries to keep warm during the big PNE Sleep out at Deepdale. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

Fundraisers spend cold night on Preston North End pitch to raise funds for homeless cause

Fundraisers in Preston braved the November chill of night in their sleeping bags to help raise funds for a homeless charity.

This year, the Big PNE Sleep Out’s goal is to raise £50,000 for The Foxton Day Centre, based on Fox Street, to help its efforts to continue to provide food, warmth and activities for its users.

The event returns as recent figures show Preston has more people sleeping rough than any other place in Lancashire.

The latest single night figure showed 13 people sleeping rough, up from six the previous year.

Taking place on Friday November 17, participants spent the night on the side of the pitch at Deepdale, with only the reused cardboard, kindly provided by Veolia, and whatever supplies they can carried.

They were greeted with a much-welcome breakfast roll and a brew in the morning, similar to that offered to attendees of the Day Centre.