I'm asking you to "Open your eyes and look" Don't look away when you pass a person sleeping rough on the street. I'm going to tell you some of my stories, a little of my own experience and about the real people whom I have met who have inspired me to ask you for money today. I don't like asking for money.

1. When I was 18, I lived in Harrogate. I worked in a newsagent - just a shop assistant. We sold interesting magazines and newspapers like le Monde... Great Composers and many more... there, I met a Lawyer. James. He was homeless. He had an odour and everyone ignored him. They stood away. He was isolated from everyday conversations. But, he was dignified and polite. We chatted in the shop where I worked for a long time. We became friends, and he invited me for coffee. He told me of how he ended up on the streets. He lost his wife, his home, his life. I don't know what happened to James.

2. Cheltenham, I'd had a troubling evening and went for a long walk at 11pm. I walked into Cheltenham, felt refreshed, then decided to go home and went to collect money from a cash point, for a taxi. However, a man approached me in the cash point, asking for money. He scared me. I felt a bit threatened and alone. But instead of showing my fear - I told him this. I said I'm a woman alone, and that he scared me. It was when he spoke to me that I knew not to be scared, and so I asked why he was asking for money and why was he on the streets. We then spent a night (6 hours) outside the Ivy, where I sat with him on the street and we spoke from midnight until dawn. I listened to his life. It was traumatic. Everyone ignored him. He was a no body to strangers. I really wanted to help - and he said that our conversation was worth more than the money. I never saw him again and I hope that something positive happened.

3. Have you ever run away from home? I did, many times, often for no real reason. I was always found (by my mother), or a local policeman, and together we returned home. One day, when I was 15 and I ran away to a place where no one could find me. And no one did. It got past midnight and truthfully, I was scared, I felt alone and it was extremely cold. I'd certainly found the best hiding place. I could have stayed there and become lost in the night forever. Instead, I walked near a friend's house who saw me and rescued me. What if they hadn't. Would I be on the streets now? What if.

I am doing this because people who are without homes are people. I want to help and I want to do that by raising money because like the CCP I care about Communities and People. I believe that the CCP will use the money in the best way to help people who really do need it. It's hard enough 'asking' for money here... so lets make it a bit easier to receive it. The CCP are building PODs so that people have a safe space to stay. They are trying to raise £100,000 - They are in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire - so far.

Final ask: Please help me to raise funds by sponsoring my sleep in the cold cotswolds in winter. Not everyone on the streets is a lawyer or a veteran - but those on the streets are people. Sponsor me so that I can give money to CCP so that they can help. Even just £1.00.

Huge thank you!