On Friday 20th December 2019 whilst many people will be gearing up for Christmas with their families I will be replicating part of what it's like to sleep rough, in support of thousands of people who face it as a reality to raise funds and awareness for local charities SASH York and Simon On The Streets.

I will spend a full 24 hours without life's luxuries and endure what it is really like to be homeless. To some people 24 hours doesn't seem a long time. But when you have no where to live, no money, friends, food or no every day items that many of us take for granted the thought of that is extremely daunting. 

I will be giving up my comfy bed for a sleeping bag or perhaps some flat packed card board to hopefully raise lots of money and awareness for SASH and Simon On The Streets, whilst meeting other homeless people and hopefully spreading some joy around at what is supposed to be the time of giving. 

The story comes about after I was heading to a show last year in Leeds, I parked up my car to walk to venue I was performing at and was absolutely taken back by how many vulnerable and homeless people they were living on the streets in freezing, wet and damp conditions. These people have started life like me and you and some of them have had successful careers and families and have been failed by the system. So it touched me so much that I wanted to give something back to those who are less fortunate than myself.

I will have a camera team with through bits of the event to film and bring you content from the heart of what is becoming a national epidemic. 

Here are the statistics and how you can make a difference:

- £10 Provides a warm welcome and helps someone take the first steps out of homelessness

£25 - Helps someone regain a sense of worth through healthcare and counselling

£50 - Helps someone gain the skills or qualifications they need to turn their life around

£100  - Provides support, training and equipment to help someone find their way back into employment

£250 -  Provides one-to-one support to help someone find a safe place to call home

ANY and EVERY donation counts so please show your support and help us raise awareness for these independent charities who are aiding the less fortunate.