UPDATE: Saturday 21st February 2026

I survived my 17th Sleepout. Despite being milder than earlier in the week, and despite wearing the usual two pairs of socks, I could still not feel my feet for the first half of the night - until I managed to optimise air gaps inside my sleeping bag and get some warmth going. Then my feet came back to life. Emily and I had rain in the middle of the night, but our bivvies kept us pretty dry. It was a windy night, so we could hear the loud rustling of tarpaulins and plastic survival bags. However, that background noise was nothing compared with the raucous sounds of Chelmsford revellers leaving pubs and bars between about 2am and 3:30 am. We were lucky to be kept safe by on-site Security throughout the night, so unlike real rough sleepers we could sleep easy, when we were able to nod off to sleep that is. As always, you forget just how uncomfortable it can be sleeping more or less on the hard ground, with your insides squished, turning over and over to try to get comfortable. The discomfort is of course part of the experience, to remind you what it must be like to have to sleep on the streets on a regular basis - perhaps with a damp sleeping bag that you can't get dry in time for your next night. Approaching the Big Sleepout this year I was feeling very rough with some kind of virus, but having the company of my colleague Emily made such a difference. She really is such a star! Emily took the photo (above) of me bleary eyed on the Saturday morning in the Cathedral grounds.

This year will be my 17th time sleeping rough to raise funds for the homeless. 16 of those nights have been for the benefit of CHESS. This year's sleepout is on the night of Friday 20th February in the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral, as part of the CHESS Big Sleepout.

CHESS does so much more than provide shelter. It seeks to give a sense of security and supports its clients in need in a holistic way, which includes addressing the cause of their homelessness, and what they need health-wise, which might even include a visit to an osteopath to alleviate the effects of too many nights on the street.

But why am I going again in 2026? Firstly because I am still able to do so. Secondly because I believe in the vital work of CHESS Homeless. Thirdly because by the time it comes to register for the Big Sleepout I have usually forgotten the full extent of how cold and uncomfortable the #bigsleepout can be! What's more you always meet nice people on the night who are also challenging themselves in support of CHESS, and this year I am joined by my wonderful work colleague Emily, from Essex County Council Trading Standards.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.