Old Trafford hosts fundraising sleepout

On behalf of the beneficiaries, John Shiels MBE, chief executive officer of Manchester United Foundation, and Julie Milnes, director of fundraising at Centrepoint, addressed supporters about current societal issues and the collaborative work being done by both organisations to improve the circumstances of young people.

“This club was built on the success of youth, and whether that’s on or off the pitch, there’s no better way to honour that legacy than here, sleeping out in the iconic Munich Tunnel. This winter will be incredibly difficult for many young people across the UK, and I am truly grateful to everyone that is here with us tonight braving the freezing temperatures. Their dedication means we can continue our work in supporting the most vulnerable in society and helping them to make positive choices in their lives.”

Julie reiterated John’s sentiment adding: “We are incredibly grateful to the Foundation for choosing to support Centrepoint at today’s sleepout, and for everyone who has swapped their beds for sleeping bags on this very cold evening so that fewer young people have to.

“These challenging and uncertain economic times are pushing many people to breaking point – especially vulnerable young people who continue to be dealt a bad hand. Money raised from today’s sleepout will go a long way towards helping them turn their lives around, and in supporting our wider mission of ending homelessness for good.”