Braving the cold: Fundraisers endure 60-hour sleepout to combat homelessness

A team of fundraisers braved freezing cold temperatures and 60 hours on the streets to raise funds and awareness for the homeless.

Armed with just a sleeping bag each and the clothes on their back, Jamie, Malakai, Gary, Chantelle and James all took on the gruelling challenge of sleeping rough - raising £6,000 so far.

Jamie Lilley, the co-founder of Cold Hands Warm Hearts, a UK-registered homeless charity, and the team completed the gruelling 60-hour sleepout to raise funds and awareness for homelessness in Greater Manchester.

Held last weekend, from 13-15 December 2024, they braved the streets of Manchester and Middleton with only the clothes on their backs and a sleeping bag.

Chantelle Tench said: "At around 4am, the temperature plummeted, and I found myself shaking uncontrollably from the cold, making it difficult to catch my breath.

"I couldn't imagine having to endure this every single day."

Reflecting on the experience, Jamie said, “This was my fourth time doing the sleepout, and every year I tell myself I won’t do it again.

"It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – not just because of the cold but because of the sheer loneliness. That loneliness is what stays with you the most.”

The Cold Hands Warm Hearts sleepout aimed to shine a spotlight on the realities of homelessness during the harsh winter months and raise funds to provide essentials such as food, clothing, and support to those in need.

The event also highlighted the growing homelessness crisis in Manchester and how communities like Rochdale can come together to help.

“In 2024, there shouldn’t be homelessness,” said Jamie. “We should, as humans, support one another. This event isn’t just about raising money; it’s about raising awareness and showing that we can all play a part in helping those in need.”

Rochdale’s role in the event was significant, with local supporters rallying to donate and spread the word. The work of Cold Hands Warm Hearts has been a beacon of hope for many in the area, with efforts focused on ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to basic necessities.

For Lilley, the commitment goes beyond just one event. “This is important to me because I’ve spent the last four years dedicating my time to this charity, helping the homeless of Greater Manchester, all while holding down a full-time job.

People can help by following us on social media, sharing our message, and donating through our JustGiving page.”

The sleepout underscored the urgency of addressing homelessness, particularly as temperatures continue to drop. The organisers remain hopeful that the event will inspire more people to take action and support their work.

The challenging initiative has already raised £6,000, with further donations being encouraged via their fundraising page.