More than £40,000 has been donated to The Foxton Centre’s efforts at The Fox Street Day Centre.

The Big PNE Sleep Out returned in November last year with more than 150 people bedding down on a soaking wet night at Deepdale.

The final total raised was £43,000 all in including gift aid from all participants and the funds go directly to The Foxton to help with ensuring the Day Centre can continue to operate.

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Blog Preston helped to organise the Sleep Out along with Preston North End’s Community and Education Trust, The Foxton and Veolia and on Friday (19 January) presented the cheque along with the organising partners during a ceremony with the Mayor of Preston councillor Yakub Patel.

Chief executive of The Foxton Centre, Jeff Marsh, said: “We are really pleased with the brilliant result of the Big Sleep Out, with participants raising almost £43,000.

“This morning was a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of the committee who made the event happen. We received a gracious welcome from the Mayor, Cllr Yakub Patel.”

The Sleep Out took place at Deepdale Stadium and saw participants take shelter in seats in the stand as howling winds and torrential rain came down.

Chief executive of the PNE Community Trust, Tom Drake, said: “We are thrilled to have helped raise £43,000 from the Big PNE Sleepout, a testament to the incredible generosity of our community. This substantial sum will make a meaningful impact on the vital work of The Foxton Centre.

“Handing over this cheque to Jeff and John of The Foxton Centre at the Mayor’s Parlour is a symbolic moment, representing the collective effort to address homelessness in our city. It reinforces our commitment to making a positive difference and supporting those in need within our community.”

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