Burton Charity boss celebrates 25 years with 16th annual sleepout

A community champion who has dedicated 25 years to YMCA Burton will celebrate his milestone by taking part in his 16th annual sleepout, an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for homelessness.

CEO Paul Laffey (pictured) will be braving a night at the graveyard this Friday with 40 other participants, who will be exposed to all the elements of an evening in late October.

The sleepout is an attempt to endure the type of struggles for one night faced by people experiencing homelessness.

Paul has taken part in all 15 of the Sleepouts to date that YMCA Burton have hosted, initially sleeping at the rugby ground, then Pirelli Stadium before moving to the graveyard event 12 years ago, and would encourage anyone to take part in either of the locations this year.

Paul said: “For those taking part in Sleepout, we are lucky enough to go home the next day, but for those facing homelessness it’s not that simple.

“The funds we raise from the Sleepout go towards supporting those who need a safe place to call home, feeding those who turn up hungry, needing a shower and providing clothes when people need them.

“Our services have faced increased demand again over the last 12 months and there are many people in our community struggling.

“I urge anyone interested in joining us for Sleepout this year to register. It’s an incredibly humbling experience.

“This autumn, our fundraising target is £75,000, but any support is welcome and greatly appreciated whether that’s through donations, taking part in the Sleepout, sponsorships or even volunteering on the night.

“Your help also means we have support directed towards our foodbank and are able to keep providing services such as our family mediation sessions and 1:2:1 support for our residents”.

“I’d also like to thank Hardy Signs, Burton & South Derbyshire College, Else Solicitors, Riviera Travel and Unipart Mercia who have committed so far to the Sleepout again this year. They are some of our highly valued regulars.

“We are also grateful to the business box sponsors, some of which include Ginho, Dean & Smedley, Wendy Haines Travel, EEvolution, Ltd, Fuse 4, Alexander Accountancy, Else Solicitors, Corrivo, Kings Office Supplies, and our headline sponsor this year - Cosy Direct”.

Click here to sign up for the sleepover and click here to donate.