A 10-year-old Bath schoolboy, Ben Humphries, has not only decided to give up the comfort of his bed for one night and take part in the Julian House Big Bath Sleep Out, but has also already raised over £1,000.
Paragon School pupil Ben has always been moved and upset by seeing homeless men and women in Bath and has been asking his parents for many years how can he help.
“It upsets me to see homeless people because we all have a home but they don’t. They have to try and cope and I think we should help them – especially in the winter.
“I have been asking Mum to do this for a long time, but my parents have always said that I’m too young.
“Now that I’m ten they’ve said I can do it and Mum is going to do it with me. I’m not looking forward to the cold but I’m only doing it for one night – homeless people have to do it every night.
“It must be pretty cold and lonely as you have no-one to talk to and no-where to go. I’m really pleased to have raised so much money so that Julian House can help and support more homeless people.”
Organiser of the event, Cathy Adcock is full of admiration for Ben’s empathy and his fundraising.
She said: “This will be the 8th Big Bath Sleep Out we have organised and we are delighted that Ben is not only raising much needed funds but he is also raising awareness about a big problem right on our doorstep.
“No-one is under any illusion that spending one night sleeping in Alice Park could possibly replicate what it is like to be homeless and on the streets.
“Of course for those taking part in the Big Bath Sleep-Out it is likely to be very cold, possibly wet and certainly uncomfortable.
“However, the next morning everyone can go home, have a warm bath, change into dry clean clothes and life goes back to normal.
“But what if you don’t have a home to go back to? The big difference for people who are forced to sleep rough is that they can’t see when things will change.
“The money raised during the Sleep Out will help Julian House operate a range of projects which not only treat the symptoms of homelessness but also the underlying issues which drive men and women into this desperate situation.
“We hope that others will be encouraged by what Ben is doing and will join the Big Bath Sleep Out.
If you’re not brave enough to take part in the Sleep Out then please consider sponsoring Ben https://www.justgiving.com/victoria-ben”
170 people have signed up to take part in The Big Bath Sleep-Out so far which takes place on Friday 4th March in Alice Park, Bath but more people are needed in order to raise the £20,000 target.
The event is open to individuals, organisations, families, work teams etc. but pre-registration is essential.
No tents are allowed – just cardboard, plastic sheeting and as many warm clothes as possible.
Under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult and those between 16-18 need a signed consent form.
Alice Park Café will be open until 11pm for paid snacks and in the morning a hot drink and bacon sandwich (or muffin) will be available for those taking part.
More details can be found at www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk or via 01225 354656.