More than 300 braved the cold to help the homeless in Nottingham's Big Sleep Out
More people than ever before - including the Lord Mayor of Nottingham - slept rough last night to raise money for the homeless.
Homeless charity, Framework, held its annual Big Sleep Out with more than 300 people attending.
The fundraisers spent a chilly night outside the Capital FM Arena with most of them merely protected by their cardboard homes and sleeping bags.
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The Big Sleep Out provided people with a chance to experience a night out on the street giving them a real insight into the difficulties homelessness brings.
The Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Nottingham were among those who braved the cold weather.
Leon Unczur, The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, said: "I wanted to do this just to see how it is, I hope it's not patronising but I wanted to get a feel of it.
"My bed is a sleeping bag with some cardboard to keep us warm so it's really testing us. I'm wearing reasonable layers of clothing but the cold is what it is and we'll find out whether it bites.
"It's all in a great cause for a charity that actually do things for the homeless, that's the positive and I'm really pleased to be here."
The Mayor shared his cardboard sleeping quarters with Councillor Merlita Bryan, the Sheriff of Nottingham, who was pleasantly surprised with the turnout.
She added: "It''s absolutely fantastic to see so many young people out here doing this, it's great to see they've come down to support a good cause.
"It's great to do something positive for the people who find themselves in difficulties and are less fortunate than myself.
"Me and the Mayor have just built ourselves a nice flat roof house that we'll be sharing tonight and it's even waterproof."
People from all circles came along to show their support and they were treated to a live acoustic performance and hot jacket potatoes - if they could spare any change.
Meabh De Faoite, 22, of Ransom Road, Mapperley works in the mental health sector which inspired her decision to sign up to the cause.
She said: "This is something I feel very passionate about, a lot of our service uses have experienced homelessness at some stage in their lives and we work really hard to make sure they don't have to experience it again. So I thought, well what better way to understand how they're feeling than trying it for a night."
Framework are hoping to raise over £30,000 overall.
Some people took to Twitter during the night.
Anna Tyler, @Tyles09, said: "Crumpled up inside a sleeping bag inside a cardboard shell...can't sleep. Some people do this every night, I can barely do one"
Penelope Babs, @penelopebabs, said: So tired after the sleep out. Really makes you think about those people who have to sleep on the streets every night"
Laura Cosette Norman, @laura_cosette, said: "Really cold but great night! Such an awesome experience! Thank you @Framework_HA"
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Comments
by Leitrimlady12
Tuesday, November 20 2012, 5:15PM
“I didn't see you out here Mary, making a small contribution to the charity that helps lots of homeless people. We may have only spent one night out on the street but at least it's one more than others. I hope none of us ever really understand what it feels like to to be homeless.”
by maryofdungloe
Tuesday, November 20 2012, 12:37AM
“Well all well and good wanting to raise money for Framework, but I don't think this is the way to go about it, and frankly I think it takes the pi$$ big time.
After all after your 12 hours in a cardboard box outsie the ice arena, you can all go home to your cosy little houses, have a decent bath or shower and have a decent meal and get into a nice warm comfy bed.
The homeless people of Nottingham cannot do this, so your saying you know what it's like to sleep rough is the biggest pi$$ take ever!!!”