This year, on 13th March, Thea will be taking part in the YMCA Derbyshire Sleep Easy 2026 to raise funds for people at risk of homelessness, social isolation and poverty.

For one night, Thea will swap the comfort of her warm bed for a cardboard box, joining myself, my work girls and lots of others in braving the elements to experience just a fraction of what homeless individuals endure every day.

Homelessness is a harsh reality for far too many people in Derby and Derbyshire. YMCA Derbyshire and Padley@YMCA Derbyshire provide essential services, including safe accommodation, life skills programmes and emotional support, to help young people, individuals and families rebuild their lives and move towards a brighter future.

By taking part in Sleep Easy, Thea hopes to raise much-needed funds to support this vital work.