So that's that done! I made it through the night, but it wasn't a desperately pleasant experience. Normally I am fine doing this sort of thing, but as 9pm approached, the idea of leaving the sofa and heading out into the shed rapidly lost its appeal. Maybe it's an age thing...

The night itself was OK, but I'm not a great sleeper at the best of times, so every little rustle outside had me wide awake again. And my sleeping bag, despite being rated at 5°, wasn't really warm enough even on a relatively mild night. So it was a long night, but I got some sleep. A shower, breakfast and 3 mugs of coffee had me back feeling human again.

But it did make me reflect: This was just one night. I was safe. I had good shelter from any rain or dew, and even the wind. It was a very mild night. There was no risk of being assaulted or abused. I always had the option of heading inside if it got too much. And a hot shower, breakfast and coffee awaited me in the morning.

That is a million miles away from the experience of rough sleepers: For them it is night after night. They are not safe, but vulnerable to abuse and assault (which the experience frequently). Their shelter from the elements is minimal or non-existent. The do not have the option of going inside if they find it too unpleasant. And (if it weren't for St Petrock's) there would be no coffee, breakfast or shower the next day. An utterly miserable experience. No wonder so many use alcohol or substances to dull the experience of life and the recollection of past traumas. In the past I reckoned I'd hold it together for a couple of months before drinking if I ever ended up homeless. After Friday night, I am not so sure.

Suella Braverman and other right wing nutters: there is no way anyone would do this as a lifestyle choice.

What Friday has done for me is reinforce massively the value I give the the service that St Petrock's provides - that morning coffee and breakfast, access to showers, laundry, clean clothes, fresh sleeping bags (over 600 given out last year). The friendly face offering unconditional and non-judgemental compassion and support. Hot, nourishing home-cooked lunches. Somewhere to come inside for some peace and to escape the constant feeling of being under threat (last year an average of 32 people visited the centre every day. ). Help to process past trauma, to get medical attention, to find housing. It really is basic stuff (think the bottom tier of Maslow's heirarchy if you are familiar with that), but I appreciate more than ever how life-saving it is.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported my in the #BigNightOut. I'm amazed by how much you have donated, and every bit will be used to improve lives. Thank you so much. And thank you to all of you for your love and support for me personally in this work - it means so much xx

As you know, I work for St Petrock's, supporting homeless people in Exeter. But for me, it's far more than just a job - I want to be able to do more for those who don't enjoy the pleasure and security of having a real home.

So I'll be joining in St Petrock's Big Night Out on 12th April and spending the night sleeping in my shed..

I'd love it if you would sponsor me to help St Petrock's be able to sustain our services to local homeless people, and do so much more than we currently can do.

Thank you!

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