On Friday 26th March, more than 50 brave souls abandoned the luxury of their beds for one night as part of the United for Cambridge Virtual Sleepout in support of Wintercomfort for the Homeless and Cambridge United Community Trust.

In gardens, in sheds, under canvas, on floors and in the backs of vehicles people from across the city and beyond joined together (virtually!) to raise awareness and funds for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the local community.

A programme of events was hosted live online throughout the evening including a virtual quiz, a raffle supported by local businesses and special guest appearances. A particular highlight of the event was the Bedtime Story Broadcast, when the two winning stories from a story writing competition receiving entries from primary and secondary aged children throughout the region, were read aloud by award-winning children’s authors Dan Freedman and Tom Palmer.

At the time of writing, the amount raised through sponsorship and the raffle was £9,165.00 which will be divided equally between the two charities.