ONE hundred people gave up their homes for a cold and wet night on the street and raised an incredible £26,226.11 for a charity helping the homeless and needy.

Organised by Charles Thompson's Mission in Birkenhead, the sleep out took place on November 30.

People laid out their sleeping bags in the carpark of its premises in Hemingford Street in exchange for donations to the charity.

They were joined by Birkenhead boxer Sean 'Masher' Dodd.

Praising the public's generosity. Amy Stanley, a volunteer and fundraiser at the mission told the Globe today: "This is a phenomenal amount and will help to make a huge difference to those in need within our community. 

"The response from the community has been incredible this year and we are overwhelmed with the support we receive each year. 

"In addition, thanks to donations we have been able to provide over 300 sacks of toys for children for Christmas, a huge amount of food hampers and we opened our doors on Christmas Day, feeding around 60 people. 

"We couldn't do what we do without the community and thanks to their generosity, we can continue to help more people who need it."

On the sleep-out, Amy said: "This is nothing like sleeping rough but it gives people an insight into homelessness and the issues faced.

"At Thompson's Mission we work hard to make sure no one needs to sleep rough but there are still people who need our help.

"This was our third year doing our Sleep Out Event. In 2016, we raised over £12,000. In 2017, we raised over £15,000.

"It always amazes me how generous people are and how many people really want to help the homeless and other people in need."

The mission was opened in 1892 by Charles Thompson.

He died in 1903, but his goals lived on through daughter Annie who took over and was the charity's Lady Superintendent for 60 years.

She was awarded the MBE in 1953 for services to the people of Birkenhead.

The mission provides food, furniture, clothes, healthcare, counselling services and even toys for the borough's poorest children.

It is now run by Bernie Frost, who first got involved 14 years ago as a volunteer and has been manager for seven years.

Amy Stanley continued: "If people would like to donate to support us, we have a just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/thompsonsmissionsleepout2018?utm_id=26

"All donations are massively appreciated and make a huge difference."