Cathedral sleepover raises £28k for charity

More than 80 people who spent a night in Peterborough Cathedral helped raise about £28,000 for a homeless charity.

Light Project Peterborough (LPP) offers support to rough sleepers in the city. Since January, about 150 new people have sought help at its respite centre, The Garden House.

On Thursday, the charity held one of its key fundraising events at the city's Cathedral, where people braced the chilly weather and spent a night on the nave floor.

The charity's fundraising manager, Matt Edgly, called it a wonderful event and added: "It was incredible to have over 80 people coming together for one evening to raise money and to gain a small glimpse into homelessness."

He added: "The feedback we received in the morning shows that we often take things such as a warm bed and a roof over our heads for granted. We hope to host this event in the cathedral again next year."

Edgly said the evening began with an hour of live music by St Botolph's Ukulele Band, followed by a quiz focused on homelessness, the cathedral, the history of Peterborough and the charity.

One participant spent their evening at the sleepout with two others, and woke up on the morning of their birthday, he added.

He said the charity received a lot of "positive feedback" from participants who described it as "well organised" and an "incredible experience".

Paul Stainton, head of media and communications at the cathedral, said: "The incredible turnout for the Light Project Sleep Out shows the strength of our community's compassion.

"To have raised thousands for such an important cause is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with purpose."

LLP relies on donations and fundraising events to keep the organisation running. Last year's event at the Posh stadium raised more than 30,000 for the charity.

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