On Friday 6th March, young friends Ben Ashman and Ruby Roberts from Paulton will be returning for the second time to take on the 11th Big Bath Sleep-Out.
Ruby and Ben at the 2019 event
The pair will help raise vital funds to support local men and women suffering from homelessness.
After taking on Julian House’s challenge last year and raising over £250, the pair are returning with Ruby’s mum, Helena, to sleep out again for one night in Alice Park to help support the growing number of men and women suffering from homelessness across the local area.
Of her involvement in the event, 10-year-old Ruby said: “I like helping people and I feel that people don’t realise that homeless people are just as important and special as we are.
“Last year I found sleeping out fine but obviously I only did one night, and the weather wasn’t actually too bad.
“By taking part before, it has helped me explain to others how lucky we are to have a roof and walls every night.”
Last year, the charity provided life-changing support to over 1,400 vulnerable individuals who were suffering from, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol and the South West.
Without support like Julian House, the life expectancy of a long term homeless person is just 45 years.
Event organiser, Jessica Gay, said “Everyone who has done it before will tell you what a memorable experience it is. It’s a challenge for sure, but one that will see Ben and Ruby making a real tangible difference. We’re so pleased they are returning to support us again.”
“Of course, no-one is under any illusion that spending one cold night in Alice Park could possibly come close to the stark reality of being homeless and sleeping on the streets.
“People taking part in the Big Bath Sleep-Out may be cold and a little wet. However, the next morning people taking part can go home, have a warm bath, a cooked breakfast, chat to family and friends about their experience or just catch up on lost sleep.
“The big difference for people who are forced to sleep rough is that they don’t have that option.”
You can support Ben and Ruby and the charity by donating to their Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helena-roberts6.
The charity is inviting people across Bath to join Ben, Ruby and Helena at its 11th Big Bath Sleep-Out for a truly memorable experience with family and friends.
You can sign up to the event for free at www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk or by emailing Events Organiser Jessica Gay via [email protected]
