A Night In The Castle Grounds For YMCA’s Sleep Easy Appeal

Published on: 1 Apr, 2019
Updated on: 3 Apr, 2019

Thirty-one people settled down under cardboard in Guildford’s Castle Grounds on Friday night, March 22, to raise awareness and funds for Guildford YMCA’s work with young people.

Some of those who slept the night of March 22 in the Castle Grounds for the YMCA’s Sleep Easy fundraising appeal.

Its annual Sleep Easy event took place in five locations across the YMCA’s Down Link Group’s area, and to date it has raised more than £42,000.

Among them in the Castle Grounds was Siva Kugathas. He arrived in the UK aged 16 having left war-torn Sri Lanka, and now runs a cleaning company.  He said: “It was very tough. I slept just one night outside but homeless people sleep every night on the street. I knew I would go home the next day but those who sleep on the streets don’t have that facility. It made me think deeper.”

Another who took part was Rachel Millward. She added: “I have never done this before and it was a great experience. Really friendly staff and a safe environment. It got to 2am and I was lying awake under a tree thinking, if I was on my own how would I cope and survive?  Everyone needs to do this at least once.”

YMCA Guildford’s head of operations, Paul Napthine, said: “The money raised by Sleep Easy will make a huge difference to the young people we work with.

“We are grateful for every donation, large or small. Thank you to all those who slept out with us  – they were a great bunch of people and we are really grateful for their interest and practical support.

“A special thank you too to Jill Bird of the Castle Green Bowls Club. Not only did she open up the clubhouse for us, she also slept out with us, and says she’ll do it each year until she’s 80!  Thank you Jill!”

Guildford YMCA also thanks Urban Spaceman for supplies of cardboard and Rapid Relief Team for breakfast.

Donations can still be made online at bit.ly/SleepEasy19

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