Spend a night beneath stars for charity, urges Chorley mortgage firm

As the nights draw in and temperatures dip, our cosy bedroom becomes a welcoming haven. But a Chorley firm is digging out their thermals in preparation for the upcoming Big Chorley Sleepout with an office challenge - and is encouraging others to join in.

Launched last year, individuals and teams are signing up to spend the night of 13 November communally sleeping outdoors at Victory Park, home of Chorley FC. Organised by Chorley FC Community Foundation, money raised will fund local projects providing practical support for people experiencing hardship or homelessness via the Foundation, SVP Chorley Buddies, and Let's Make a Difference.

Aspect Mortgages, a Chorley based independent husband-and-wife-led business, is joint event sponsor with Scope Fire & Security. Actively involved in its community and supporting a number of local charities, Aspect was keen to get involved and won’t just be cheering everyone on from the comfort of indoors, staff will be bedding down at Victory Park, too.

Director Richard Gill said: “For most of us, sleeping outside is a choice. One night can’t bring home the reality of homelessness, but it’s an act of solidarity helping raise awareness and vital funds for local organisations supporting people when they need it most.”

Costing £5 to register, participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the Foundation's JustGiving page through their chilly challenge. With a target of £15,000, as sleeping bags are being dusted off, pledges are already coming in.

Like many people taking part, Aspect is making the event about team solidarity and a bit of healthy competition.

Richard said: “We’ve got 12 people on the Aspect team so far, made up of colleagues, customers, fellow firms and friends, but there’s always room for more. We’ve set an overall office target, but there’s already clear friendly rivalry as to who can raise the most, which only benefits the cause.”

Hoping to reach 100 sleepers in total, the event will include evening activities, guest speakers, and a shared breakfast encouraging a sense of community and purpose. Participants will be responsible for bringing their own sleeping and outdoor gear, with lots of information and tips on: https://sleepout.chorleyfcfoundation.co.uk/

Regularly active in the local Chorley community, including friends of the Chorley FC Community Foundation, Aspect’s two year front-of-shirt sponsorship of Chorley FC Women’s team makes the venue very fitting, if not the slightly foreboding Friday 13 date.

Richard said: “Not everyone is able to spend a November night sleeping outdoors, but every penny sponsored or donated counts. Whether you wake up on a hard football terrace on Saturday November 14, or in your own bed, it’s fantastic we can all help make a meaningful difference.”