Dozens to sleep rough at city stadium for charity

A former rough sleeper, firefighters and charity volunteers are joining dozens of people to raise awareness of homelessness.

The Big Sleep Out is being held on Friday for the second time at Peterborough United's football stadium to give people an insight into what it is like living on the streets.

The event is raising money for Light Project Peterborough and the Peterborough United Foundation (Posh Foundation) who support a number of causes and communities across the city.

So far this year, about 70 people have signed up to take part in the event and have raised about £10,500.

The Posh Foundation provides sporting, exercise, and education programmes across all ages and backgrounds.

Light Project Peterborough has been supporting rough sleepers across the city since 2015 and runs the Garden House, a day respite centre offering support and advice.

Roy Stubbs is a health and wellbeing lead at Boroughbury Medical Centre, in Craig Street.

A former rough sleeper, Stubbs said he "was a mess" when he first came to Light Project Peterborough for help in 2023, and never thought he could "get to where he is now".

He added: "I want to raise awareness of being homeless and to raise funds for a very worthy cause."

Davina has been a volunteer at Light Project Peterborough for over five years.

She said: "Homelessness is a very big problem and one that doesn't seem to be going away soon.

"This is the first time I am participating so I have no idea what it will be like. I believe in order to support someone properly you really need to experience it for yourself. So here I am."

Members of Yaxley community fire and rescue station are also taking part in the Big Sleep Out, whilst remaining on call on Friday evening.

Matt Edgley, the fundraising officer at Light Project Peterborough, said: "Following feedback, we've tried to make this year's event even more realistic and insightful."

He said it was "great" to see so many people, including former rough sleepers, showing support to the cause.

Posh Foundation community manager Jenna Lusk said: "I hope it proves to be another powerful and eye-opening experience."

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.