Dear All,

On Thursday 14th April, I will be giving up my warm bed in my comfortable home to sleep rough on the street. Why? I would like to do what I can by raising funds for a very worthwhile local charity, The Leeds United Foundation. The Foundation helps keep our children away from the risks of homelessness and want to help even more vulnerable young people steer away off from the dangers of the streets

I can't pretend it will be as frightening for me to sleep rough, in company with up to 200 others, at Trinity Leeds with toilets and security, as it must be for people who are truly homeless, alone and with no other option but to sleep on the street. It probably won't be too cold (let's hope it doesn't rain) and it's only for one night. Then we'll be back in our own homes and beds. People who use the likes of St George’s Crypt in Leeds and emergency winter night shelters have no such comfortable expectation, and nowhere else to turn.

I know you have many calls on your generosity, but if you would like to help, please sponsor me.

To find out more about the charity, go to http://www.leedsunitedfoundation.com

Many thanks for reading this and for supporting me if you choose to do so. I'll let you know how I get on!

Yours, Maria