Schoolboys brave the cold for sleep out to help homeless people

School friends Roan Zimmerman and Charlie Barton, both 11, took part in the event at Edinburgh City Chambers last Friday.

The event runs annually in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and invites people to sleep out on the streets to raise funds and awareness to fight homelessness.

Funds raised go towards Bethany Christian Trust’s work to provide accommodation and support for homeless people.

Accompanied by Roan’s mum Harriet Mulloy, granny Helen Mulloy-Reid, and working spaniel Topaz, the boys managed to last the whole night out in the cold.

Helen and Harriet joined the boys at the event

Reflecting on taking part, Helen said: “It was raining the whole night so it was very difficult.

“This is the second year we have done it and this year Roan brought his friend Charlie along to take part too.

“We raised more than £500 in total from donations, which is incredible and will go a long way to helping those in need.

“I think the boys had fun and learned a lot about what it must be like for people on the streets.

“It is an educational thing. It is not ‘let’s pretend to be homeless’, it is a challenge and teaches you how tough it is for people who are homeless.

“Homelessness can affect anyone and you never know when something might change terribly in your life.

“The boys learned a lot about that and so did I.”

The group were accompanied by Topaz, a four-year-old spaniel who also braved the cold overnight.

Helen said: “Topaz is certainly not a street dog! It was a real challenge for her but she managed well and I think was glad to get home!”

The boys took part in a shelter-building competition, and had to build a shelter out of cardboard. They won a packet of sweets for their efforts.

Helen said: “I would really recommend people give this a go. It is really educational in helping you understand how the less fortunate have to live at times.

“We certainly learned a lot and will be giving it a go again next year.”