No snooze is good snooze for children
Alexandra Gregg • Published 31 May 2012 16:30
Share this
Sleeping on the job: Big-hearted Richard Cutcher, who is currently training to run the Windsor Half Marathon for Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service, slept out to raise money for Action For Children last October.
SLEEPING rough is no-one's idea of fun, but Action For Children is calling for hundreds of workers across the Thames Valley to do just that.
Byte Night has been running for 14 years and has raised £4.3m by encouraging individuals and corporate teams to kip outdoors for one night, in four locations nationwide, to help raise awareness about homelessness among youngsters.
Sally Hanson, who chairs the Thames Valley Byte Night Board, said: "I'm really looking forward to the sleep out again this year, to know that we are helping such a fantastic cause and that we are making a difference to children's lives is a great feeling."
Last year the Thames Valley event, held in Reading, attracted more than 125 sleepers and organisers are hoping for over 200 this year. Ms Hanson added: "Byte Night welcomes all Thames Valley businesses to give up their bed for one night to support the cause and help to raise money. We're currently recruiting new board members and sleepers and we want to make people aware that anyone is welcome to join the cause."
The sleep-out will take place from 6pm on Friday, October 5, starting at the Apex Plaza, Reading, for a meet and greet and continuing into Forbury Gardens for the big sleep. Sister events in London, Cambridge and Edinburgh will take place at the same time.
David Lewis, business development director at accountancy firm BDO Reading, based in King's Road, has signed up two teams of five from his company so far and has been helping with the logistics of Byte Night for seven years as co-chairman of the Thames Valley board.
He said: "It's a good evening and it's also a bit of fun, as well as having a serious purpose.
"There always comes a point, usually around 4am, when you realise that you're really glad you don't have to do this every night and it really makes you think of the poor young people we are helping."
The team from BDO raised £12,000 last year and are hoping to top that figure this year.
To register, or for tips on fundraising, visit www.bytenight.org.uk
This article appeared in Local Berkshire 30 May 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
