52-hour sleepout by Middleton homeless charity aims to raise £2,000 to help rough sleepers

Cold Hands Warm Hearts aims to help those sleeping rough (pictured in Manchester near Piccadilly Gardens)

Middleton homeless charity Cold Hands Warm Hearts is carrying out a 52-hour sleepout later this month.

The charity – which aims to make sure no rough sleepers or homeless in Manchester go hungry or without the essentials – is aiming to raise at least £2,000 with its sleepout, which will go towards providing essential items such as warm clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities for those in need.

The sleepout will be held over 52-hours from Friday 23 February and also aims to foster empathy and understanding among participants and the wider community, encouraging them to take action to support the homeless population.

Cold Hands Warm Hearts was started in 2021 by two Middleton men, Jamie Lilley and Daniel Goodier, after hearing about the tragic death of a 25-year-old man who died when sleeping rough in Manchester city centre in the middle of winter.

The organisation became a charity in late 2021 and was shortlisted as a finalist for a BBC Make A Difference Award in 2023.

Jamie said: “The 52-hour sleepout is a fundraising initiative aimed at raising money to support the charity's activities.

“Participants will spend 52 hours sleeping outdoors, facing the elements, and experiencing a small taste of the challenges that many homeless individuals encounter on a daily basis.

“This event serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity with the homeless community and raises awareness about their struggles.”

Donations can be made via JustGiving:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/52Hoursleepout