Sleepout at Chippenham could raise £15,000 for group (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Sleepout at Chippenham could raise £15,000 for group

8:10am Saturday 11th February 2012 in News

The Doorway Project hopes £15,000 has been raised for the charity after their sleepout.

More than 100 people turned out in the graveyard of St Andrew’s Church for the charity’s fourth event of its kind a week ago last Saturday – with 40 of them staying the night in freezing conditions.

Supporters built makeshift homes for the night from cardboard boxes.

There was also an appearance from town mayor David Powell and Chippenham MP Duncan Hames even donned an apron and served tea and coffee until the small hours.

Doorway chief executive Lisa Lewis said: “I thought it was a great night and it was so good to see all of these people supporting Doorway.

“There were so many there who I didn’t know, which shows we are reaching out further. ”

A church service on the night included an ex-Doorway resident sharing his story and a performance by the Lingmara Community Choir.

Mrs Lewis said: “It was great to have the choir come down.

“The night wasn’t just about money but also raising awareness.

“Leading on from this, we will get more people involved with helping the charity.”