CEO Sleepout 5th October 2017 at Meadow Lane, Nottingham

GARY BROCKWAY, who recently joined accountancy firm Page Kirk as a partner, explains why he swapped his briefcase for a sleeping bag to raise awareness for the homelessness.

So it all started on the 23rd August, whilst on holiday. I spotted a post on a social media site from a friend who was raising money for CEO Sleepout. Being relaxed on holiday, it seemed like a great way to raise awareness for the homeless plight in Nottingham. Further investigation highlighted that further fund raisers were needed. So I pressed the “I want to join” button on the application and the rest as they say is history.

After an initial breakfast meeting on 14th September to introduce us to the 2 charities that we were raising money for, The Friary and Emanuel House. We were prompted to continue our fundraising activities.

I visited “Ultimate Outdoors” acquired all the appropriate kit and started raising funds via my Just Giving page. As at the date of the event I had amassed £570, which I was very proud of.

So to the actual date, 5th October. We were instructed to arrive between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. An air of trepidation after the previous night’s bad weather, but the forecast was dry and relatively warm. An evening of presentations from the 2 Charities, Alan Hardy (chairman of Notts County) and Andy Preston (chairman of CEO Sleepout), the bar was open and the drink was flowing. Hot Soup was provided by St Saviours Church. The last event of the evening before venturing outside was an excellent performance by Next Door Dance, giving an extract of the beautiful game. The England match had finished and probably helped many nod off!

So outside we go, layers of clothing applied.

Preparations made, we attempted to drift off…….

The noises of a busy city keep us awake and the periodic emergency service siren waking us, but cosy in our sleeping bags we tried to fall asleep, thinking of those who have to experience this every night, in much much worse conditions.

The time ticked by, until at 5.30am we were encouraged to move back inside for a welcome coffee and breakfast.

Thank you to all of my friends, colleagues and contacts for the sponsorship and support, at the time of writing this we have raised between all 100 of the volunteers in excess of £70,000 which is a fantastic achievement.

Thank you