Sharon's out in the Cold for Charity

Sharon Leung, sleeping rough for a worthwhile cause

A mum of four has experienced life as a homeless person after taking to the streets to raise money for charity.

Sharon Leung, who lives in Sutton-in-Ashfield, battled the freezing weather to take part with 40 others, including the right honourable Lord Mayor of Mansfield, in the ‘Big Snore’ event on Friday 29 January to raise funds for Framework, the homeless charity.

Sharon, who has been a Sales Executive at the Priestsic Road dealership of ACF Car Finance Limited for the past six years, gave up her comfortable bed and warm duvet to take part in the sleep-over event held in the grounds of St Mark’s Church in Mansfield. She then returned to work on the Saturday morning, after a not so good night’s sleep.

All money raised from the event will now be donated to Framework to help provide housing, support and training services to vulnerable and homeless people throughout Nottinghamshire. So far the fundraising has totalled over £9,000, already beating last year's total by almost £2,000.

Sharon, who also took part in the event last year, commented: “I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for taking part in the Framework sleep-over event, including my employer, ACF Car Finance, who donated £100. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive!

“Whilst it was bitterly cold on Friday night it was great to get the opportunity to do something for such a worthy cause. Sleeping under the stars for one night was challenging but it is nothing when you think about the many people who have to sleep rough everyday. I hope that our help can make a difference to the lives of others by raising awareness of this charity and raising such much-needed funds.”

Framework currently helps provide support to rough sleepers, substance misusers, people experiencing mental health difficulties, vulnerable women, young people, care leavers, older homeless people and people at risk of losing their home. Framework is funded through local authority grants, local trusts and foundations and public donations.

To donate to Framework visit their page at http://www.justgiving.com/framework/.