Two local charities have joined forces to create a unique Sleepout event, for people to get involved with and help raise vital funds.  Local older people’s charity Age UK Lancashire and equine charity HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are coming together to raise awareness of the impact winter months can have and how each charity responds to meet this need.

Taking place at Clitheroe Football Club, on Friday 19th November, the Sleepout gives you the chance to get together with friends, family or colleagues and be part of a mass sleepover with up to 100 people. 

Sharon Watson from Age UK Lancashire says: “The reason we have joined together to put on this event is that both our charities become very busy over the winter months.  Older people sometimes face the choice between eating or heating and particularly in the current climate with gas supplies being affected, this problem is only going to get worse.  We as a charity can offer essential advice and support to people struggling but need to raise funds for us to be able to do this”.

Julie Pharaoh-Gan from HAPPA added “Winter has traditionally been a very busy and challenging time for HAPPA and this year will be no different. We will continue investigating cruelty and neglect and rescue those horses and ponies who need us throughout the harsher months. When these animals come to HAPPA we will provide them the very best of veterinary and farrier care, winter feed and winter rugs alongside caring for the current residents at the charity we will need funds to enable us to do this”.

Individuals can sign up to the event and choose which charity they would like to support, or they may wish to raise funds and share them between the charities.  The sponsorship target is £250 per person, or a family or group target can be arranged. You will be given all the tools, advice and support to help you achieve your target.

Sharon Watson said: “The night will be really good fun, starting off with some music, refreshments and entertainment, then everyone will go out into the stadium to pick their place to spend the night.  There will be a really great supportive atmosphere for all to enjoy”.

The event will begin from 7pm with entertainment up until 10.30pm, before the sleepout gets going.  The sleepout will officially end at 6am on Saturday morning. 

Julie adds “We really hope people get together to support this event as it’s so important for both local charities.  Whether you want to do it alone or be part of a group everyone is welcome and we are really looking forward to it”.

Participants will be given a full list of clothing and items they will need for the night, but no tents are allowed.  The stands within the ground will provide shelter.

100 places are available, so if you are interested then please register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Registration is £20 per person.  To register please visit www.ageuklancs.org.uk where you can find out more information and sign up.  You can also contact fundraising@ageuklancs.org.uk for more details.