Cathedral sleep-out will support homeless people

More than 50 people will brace the cold and sleep in the nave of Peterborough Cathedral for charity on Thursday.

Light Project Peterborough, which offers support to rough sleepers at its day centre, The Garden House, said the event was one of its biggest fundraisers, and about £17,000 had already been raised.

Elaine Barter, 44, who will be taking part along with her mum Linda, 64, said: "It's a very humbling and emotional experience to put yourself in their shoes, even just for those 12 hours, knowing that you can go back home and get some food [and] have all your home comforts around you."

Last year's sleep-out for the charity was held at Peterborough United FC and raised more than £30,000.

Barter, who occasionally volunteers at the charity, said that for her mum, "it's obviously a bit more uncomfortable for her sleeping on the floor".

She added: "It's very cold. You can't stop the cold coming up from through the concrete.

"But we're very passionate about the work that the Light Project does and we just want to do our bit to make sure they have the funds that they need to keep providing the vital services."

Julie Gibson, a volunteer at the charity, said spending a night in the cathedral was a "special opportunity".

"I've been involved with Light Project Peterborough for over seven years and it's important for me to raise awareness of the good work that the charity does," she said.

"I've seen from previous LPP fundraising events how amazingly the local community comes together to show their support for those in need."

Heti Ball, from Boroughbury Medical Centre, is taking part in A Night in the Nave along with five of her colleagues.

"I work closely with LPP in supporting the homeless population with vital health screenings they can miss due to their circumstances," she said.

"The cathedral is a huge landmark for Peterborough with its history, and spending a night inside will bring a new experience that you don't usually get during the day."

Peter, who uses The Garden House, has been helped by the charity for the past two years.

"I want to take part so I can raise funds and 'do my bit' to help," he said.

"The Garden House has done so much for me, and if this gives even something little back then it'll make me feel better, too."

Natalie Shephard, who works in the finance department of a national charity, will travel from London to take part in her first sleep-out event.

She said: "I've always wanted to see how it is for people in those circumstances that haven't got a home to go to, haven't got that safe security blanket.

"I'm quite anxious about it in the sense of it's going to be really enlightening and really humbling to be able to experience that for one night."

The Light Project's fundraising manager, Matt Edgley, said: "It's even more exciting to be able to host this year's event in Peterborough's most iconic building, the cathedral.

"I'm grateful to everyone who has signed up to take part, those who have donated so far, the event sponsors and, of course Peterborough Cathedral. It will be a special evening."

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.