The Big Sleep Out returned last month with around 160 people taking part in the initiative to raise awareness of homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent. 

Participants got first-hand experience of what it's like to brave the elements overnight as they spent the night inside and outside the Franklyn Stand concourse, all whilst raising much-needed funds for local charities, Stoke City Community Trust and The Macari Foundation. 

The annual event was sponsored for the second consecutive year by Tile Mountain. 

Lou Macari with members of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (Stoke City).

Adrian Hurst, Head of Community at Stoke City Community Trust, told Stoke Nub News that £28,000 has been raised so far, with donations still coming in. 

Adrian said: "The money will be put between making a donation to The Macari Foundation and support Stoke City Community Trust as well, we will utilise the money for work in the Trust around mental health.

"It's a massive amount of money and it makes a real difference in the sense of it's a guaranteed income for us and Lou [Macari] to provide services for the rest of the year.

"It's all about raising some money, getting the Trust and The Macari Foundation recognised and about raising awareness of homelessness within the city."

22 Stoke-on-Trent College students took part in the initiative and raised almost £1600 (Stoke City).

To donate to The Big Sleep Out, visit their Just Giving page.

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