University of Chester students and staff sleep-out for CATH

Dec 14 2009 By James Shepherd

Staff and students at the University of Chester have raised hundreds of pounds for a homeless charity after taking part in a fundraising sleep-out.

Ten students and one member of staff joined other volunteers who braved the plummeting temperatures during the Chester Aid to the Homeless’ (CATH) annual sleep-out, which was held in Friary Car Park on Grosvenor Street, next to CATH’s Harold Tomlins Centre, last weekend.

Starting at 10pm, the group tried to keep warm in sleeping bags and makeshift cardboard ‘houses’ until 6am the following morning. The University contingent raised £550 for CATH, which aims to provide care, shelter, advice and support to homeless people in the Chester area.

Claire Britton, the University’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, who took part in the event, said: "This is the second year I have participated in the CATH sponsored sleep-out. Unfortunately, the conditions were not great as it rained for most of the night, but it really brought home the reality faced by many homeless people. I definitely appreciated my home comforts a lot more the following day.

“It was humbling to see so many student volunteers and members of the community at this event, especially in these harsh conditions. Together we raised a significant amount of money for this fantastic charity - what a great Christmas present!"

Anyone wanting to support CATH through fundraising or volunteering should call 01244 314834 for more details.