Turf Moor sleepout to raise thousands for local charities

Tonight marks the first Turf Sleepout event in Burnley.

Almost 40 business people and Clarets supporters have pledged to spend one night sleeping out in the Turf Moor stadium, with thousands of pounds already raised for the three charities set to benefit from the initiative; the club's official charity, Burnley FC in the Community, homelessness charity Emmaus Burnley and SafeNet domestic abuse service for Jane's Place women's refuge.

Council leader Councillor Mark Townsend and the authority's chief operating officer Lukman Patel are amongst those already signed up to the event. Others include business leaders from Burnley FC, Lancashire County Council, Lush, VEKA, Nelson and Colne College and Spencer Hayes Group.

The event takes place tonight, on Friday 12th October from 7pm to 7am (Saturday 13th October).

If you want to take part - it's not too late just click here to sign up.

Councillor Townsend said:

"I'm happy to be supporting these three local charities who do fantastic work to help those who find themselves in difficult personal circumstances through no fault of their own."

Neil Hart, chief executive officer at Burnley FC in the Community, said:

"We are delighted Councillor Mark Townsend and chief operating officer Lukman Patel are joining us for the Turf Sleepout. It's not going to be easy, but the evening will raise significant funds for three local charities. It's fantastic to have their support."

Burnley FC in the Community is the official charity of Burnley Football Club. The mission of the charity is to inspire, support and deliver change to communities across East Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Emmaus Burnley provides accommodation, support and work-based training and volunteering for up to 30 formerly homeless people.

Jane's Place is a complex needs recovery refuge established in memory of Jane Clough who was killed by her ex-partner in 2010. It is the first of its kind in the North and offers safe and secure temporary accommodation for women and children at risk of domestic abuse who also have additional complex needs.

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