Over £32,000 has been raised for local charities via the annual BWFC Sleepout, hosted at the Toughsheet Community Stadium over the weekend – surpassing the target hit at last year’s event.
More than 150 fundraisers – double the number who took part in 2023 – including Wanderers’ supporters, local businesses, Wanderers' CEO Neil Hart and Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC) CEO, Phil Mason braved two-degree temperatures at the side of the pitch to raise vital funds for BWitC, Urban Outreach, Emmaus Bolton and Backup North West.
Before the event commenced, the leaders of all charities involved including Phil Mason, Dave Bagley, CEO of Urban Outreach, Maura Jackson CEO of Backup North West and Tony Stephenson, Director of Emmaus Bolton took part in a question and answer session alongside Neil Hart, providing an insight into homelessness in the Bolton area and the work each charity is carrying out in the region.
Neil Hart, Chief Executive Officer at Bolton Wanderers said: “We are absolutely delighted with the current total raised by this year’s Sleepout.
“Though conditions were tough on the night, everyone who took part did a fantastic job and should be incredibly proud of what’s now been achieved.
Phil Mason, Chief Executive Officer at Bolton Wanderers in the Community said: “The night and the conditions were a challenge, however it provided everyone with an understanding and insight into the reality of homelessness.
“This was our second BWFC Sleepout and it was truly encouraging to see the number of fundraisers and local people willing to support the cause double. It is something that I look forward to doing again next season."
The total amount raised currently stands at just over £32,000. You can still support the campaign through a donation HERE.
The funds raised from the event will go to supporting some of the most vulnerable people living in Bolton, supported by the charities involved.
BWitC would like to thank all suppliers who supported with food, ingredients and disposables including Delifresh Ltd, Bidfood, Alliance, Urban Outreach, Greenhalgh’s Bakery and BWFC First Team Performance Chef James Berry for cooking over 150 meals for the fundraisers.
BWitC would also like to thank staff members Beth Warriner and Beth Finley for providing live music, as well as Lofty the Lion and Bolton FM for providing their support and services on the night.