Manchester United Foundation Stadium Sleep Out raises over £30,000 to support vulnerable and homeless young people

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·16 de novembro de 2024

Manchester United Foundation Stadium Sleep Out raises over £30,000 to support vulnerable and homeless young people

Supporters braved the Manchester cold and bedded down at Old Trafford in aid of Manchester United Foundation and homelessness charity Centrepoint.

Over 120 participants joined the Manchester United Foundation on Friday evening for a night dedicated to raising awareness, and much-needed funds, to support the plight of vulnerable young people across Greater Manchester.

Vídeos OneFootball

In what was the third event of its kind at Old Trafford, supporters were joined by three ex-Reds on a memorable evening, as Danny Simpson and David May joined the brave souls sleeping on the stadium’s disability platform, while Lou Macari spent time talking to the group about his work supporting homeless people.

Event partner Centrepoint also gave the group the opportunity to hear real-life experiences of the hardship faced by some young people, and the chance to send their own messages of support. The first part of the night was concluded with a Q&A with David and Danny, before the group bedded down, under the lights inside the iconic Theatre of Dreams.

“It’s been a pleasure to be here this evening,” Danny Simpson said. “I feel like homelessness is a problem that is getting worse, and you see it all over the city. I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can. I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has and it’s been great to hear about the work Centrepoint is doing – it’s been a really positive night.”

Manchester United give something back

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At the start of the evening, John Shiels – Foundation CEO – read a poem to the group about the Busby Babes, in whose honour the Foundation was created in 2007 as a commitment to the young people of Greater Manchester. The Sleep Out aims to support the most vulnerable of that group, particularly as the winter months draw in.

“Once again, I am humbled by the amount of support the Sleep Out has received,” John said. “It’s been great to see faces old and new supporting our work, and the work of Centrepoint, as we head into the harsh winter months.

“There are many young people currently living in dire conditions and it is our duty as a community to come together and help them,” he continued. “I am delighted to see that so many people feel the same and have collectively raised a fantastic amount of money that will make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable young people in our area.”

Michael Winehouse, Head of Relationship Fundraising for Centrepoint, added: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in the third Old Trafford Sleep Out, who have raised vital funds for both Manchester United Foundation and Centrepoint. This Sleep Out gets bigger and better every year.

“Our helpline and outreach staff are there to support the 1 in 52 young people currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the UK, but we know we need to do more as the current economic climate is severely worsening young people’s financial security and the housing shortage is pushing rents up to unaffordable levels.

“The awareness and funds raised at events such as the Old Trafford Sleep Out will go a long way in ensuring that more young people in Greater Manchester and beyond have the best chances of leaving homelessness behind for good.”