Sleep-out boosts funds for Charles Thompson's Mission

Around 60 people laid out their sleeping bags in the car park of Charles Thompson's Mission in Birkenhead in exchange for donations to the charity on Friday (December 1).

The total raised on the night will not be known until January.

Praising the public's generosity, Amy Stanley, a volunteer and fundraiser at the mission, told the Globe: "This was our seventh event which involved members of the public signing up to sleep out on the streets overnight outside Charles Thompson’s Mission. 

Advertising the sleep-out for Charles Thompson's Mission (Image: Amy Stanley / Charles Thompson's Mission)"This is nothing like sleeping rough but those taking part gained an insight into homelessness and the issues faced. 

"It was a very cold night. Temperatures reached around -3 to -4. Lots of frost and cold feet but was a great response from everybody who took part. 

Among those braving the cold for Charles Thompson’s Mission (Image: Amy Stanley / Charles Thompson’s Mission)"As a charity the event helps us to raise awareness of homelessness but also helps us raise funds to help us continue our work helping those in need within our community." 

If anybody wants to make donation to support the event, donations can be made our just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/charlesthompsons-mission

The sleep-out for Charles Thompson's Mission took place on Friday (December 1) (Image: Amy Stanley / Charles Thompson's Mission)

The mission on Hemingford Street in Birkenhead been helping those less fortunate for more than 120 years.

It provides food, furniture, clothes, healthcare, counselling services and toys and was first opened in 1892 by Charles Thompson.

After he died in 1903, his goals lived on through daughter Annie, who became the charity's Lady Superintendent for 60 years.

Like her father she was greatly loved and respected, and in 1953 went on to be awarded an OBE for her services to the people of Birkenhead.