To be honest, before I came to university I’d never even been to Bath. Four years and (hopefully) one degree later, I’ve fallen in love with this unique city: the world-famous Royal Crescent, an almost endless stream of tourists and the skyline walk overlooking the city. However, amid the luxurious Edwardian houses, high street shops and purple double-decker U1s, you can’t help but notice a large number of helpless and hungry homeless beggars - ‘where the rich do dock, the poor freely flock’, as they say. As you rush about your increasingly busy lives or as you settle into your nice warm bed tonight, just take a minute to imagine what it must be like to go to sleep at night with no food, no shelter and no cleaning facilities.

You might think I’m mad but as I leave this city for pastures new, I’ve decided to do something for the homeless. On Sunday 28th May, I’m going to spend a night out on the streets with just a sleeping bag, pillow and some clothes for company. I’ll be raising money for, and awareness of, the homeless mission at St John’s Church in the city, where I have been a member of the community over the last few years.

Whether you’ve never even been to Bath, have graduated or you’re lucky enough to be about to leave this great city for an exciting new job or maybe you feel guilty for those times you’ve lied, saying ‘sorry, mate I haven’t got anything’ (I’ll admit, I’ve often done that) to the homeless person near you, here’s your chance to show your support and consideration for them. At the end of the day (quite literally), you’ll probably sleep in a nice warm bed for 99.9% of the nights in your life so just think of a donation as a 1-night stay in your own home.

I’ve set up a JustGiving page, which you can donate to here, otherwise your support, prayers and messages are all very much appreciated. Finally, if anyone in the area would also like to sleep rough for the night, feel free to join in!