Council trio taking part in charity sleep out to raise funds for ‘incredible causes’

A councillor who is a veteran of charity sleep outs is being joined by the mayor and deputy mayor of Redcar and Cleveland in a new fund raising effort.

Councillor Barry Hunt will be accompanied by mayor, Councillor Ceri Cawley and her deputy, Councillor Adam Brook when they bed down for the night in sleeping bags outside Boosbeck Village Hall.

The trio are supporting the Boosbeck-based Morgan House, a dedicated centre which provides accommodation for military veterans who have fallen on hard times and is operated by the Healthier Heroes community interest company.

Any funds raised will be shared with the Chris Cave Foundation, which supports families affected by violent crime, works with the probation service and campaigns against knife crime including educating young people in schools.

The event, which will begin tonight, Saturday evening at 7pm and is part of CEO Sleepout UK.

CEO Sleepout UK was set up in 2013 by Middlesbrough businessman Andy Preston and has raised millions of pounds by having business leaders sleep out for charity causes.

Coun Hunt said:“Having taken part in charity sleep outs before, I know it is not an easy thing to do, but it is a worthwhile experience when it helps raise funds and awareness.

“I am pleased to be taking part alongside the mayor and Councillor Brook to help support these two incredible causes.”

Coun Cawley said: “Taking part in the sleep out is a way of raising awareness and funds for these important causes.

“I hope residents will get behind the event and support us in any way they can.

“Every donation will help these charities continue their vital work for the community.”

Coun Brook added: “The sleep out will be challenging, but it is nothing compared to the difficulties faced by many of the people these charities help every day.”