Brave bus drivers "sleep out" for homelessness charity

Bus drivers from Stagecoach Yorkshire have slept under the stars for a night in a bid to raise much needed funds for young people who are forced to sleep rough.

Cheryl Green and Diane Lyons from Barnsley depot, Laurence Pickford from Chesterfield, Andrew Boulby from Rawmarsh, and Anton Normal-Taylor from Ecclesfield, and Darryl Mycock, Ami Copp and Wes Harris from Holbrook slept out to raise funds and awareness for Roundabout, the local youth housing charity.

Darryl said: “Nobody would say that the challenge exactly replicated the experience of sleeping rough, but it was still a challenge to do. I feel so strongly about the young people who are forced to live without a home to make them safe and warm. It is easy to become disillusioned and think that nothing can be done to help them, but we can all do our bit, so it is good to make a positive step to help out.

“We are really proud of all our colleagues, who have either put themselves forward to participate in this event, or else donated to support us – we have received over £1,000 in donations already, and we would invite anyone to make further donations to support this wonderful charity. A particular mention to Wes for his work in organising and Ami for encouraging sponsors.”

Roundabout are committed to ending youth homelessness and believe that with a safe place to live and tailored support, a young person can progress to independence and successfully break the cycle of homelessness. You can find out more about the work done by Roundabout at www.roundabouthomeless.org and donate to support the effort at www.justgiving.com/page/wes-harris-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=OF.

Matt Kitchin, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, added: “As a local bus operator, we are an integral part of our local communities, so it is important to us to do something to support young people in need. I am very proud of everyone who took on this challenge, and who donated to support them.”