Tributes to homelessness campaigner planned at Windsor's Big Sleep Out

Fundraisers are set to sleep under the stars in a bid to raise £30,000 to support a Windsor homelessness charity’s cold weather night shelter.

The Windsor Homeless Project’s Big Sleep Out is one of the charity’s major annual fundraisers and this year it will be taking place at Windsor Rugby Club.

The event will be raising money for a winter night shelter based at the Alma Beacon, in Alma Road, which launched last year to provide a place for homeless people to stay during the coldest months.

This year’s Sleep Out will be particularly poignant following the death of homelessness campaigner Murphy James who played a key role supporting the town’s rough sleepers during his time at the charity.

Musical tributes are planned at the Sleep Out with musical performers set to play under the name ‘Murphy’s Law’ in tribute to the former homeless project manager.

Tributes will be paid to Murphy James (pictured right) following his death earlier this year.

Lesa Killoran, project support at Windsor Homeless Project, said musicians supporting the Sleep Out came up with the idea to play under his name to recognise the vital work he did for the town’s homeless community,

She added: “The night is so important for us to keep this place open.

“It’s imperative that we make this as big as we can because we are only a charity and we’re not funded by the Government.”

The cold weather night shelter operated for 10 weeks last year and provided a warm place to stay for almost 40 people.

This year the shelter is set to run from mid-December and will offer a bed, shower and warm meal for those who stay there.

The charity supports vulnerable people experiencing a range of issues including drug and alcohol addiction and lapsed visas.

Lesa added: “I don’t think there is anything like it around here. Already we’re in October and we’ve got people asking for a bed.

“As soon as you knock on the door, everyone is welcome. Whatever your situation, you are welcome for a tea, coffee and we will help you as best we can and point you in the right direction.”

The Alma Beacon, which hosts the Windsor Homeless Project, Windsor Foodshare and Windsor Street Angels, relies on the support of volunteers to operate and anyone who is able to support the charity should contact info@windsorhomelessproject.org.

The Big Sleep Out will be taking place on Friday, October 17 at Windsor Rugby Club, in Home Park, and tickets cost £22.38.

Guests do not have to stay overnight.

Click here to sign up.