Mansfield’s Big Snore raises £20k for homeless

Around 200 people took part in part in the rearranged annual Mansfield Big Snore at Mansfield Town Football Club, on Saturday - the largest number in the event’s 11 year history.

A hardy collection of adults and children braved the cold with just the protection of flimsy cardboard shelters, plastic sheeting, sleeping bags and warm clothing at the event’s new bigger home at the One Call Stadium.

Louise Darby, Fundraising Manager at Framework said: “I am tremendously grateful to all participants, sponsors and the many people who make the Big Snore happen. The Mansfield Big Snore does an incredibly important job in raising funds to help tackle homelessness in Mansfield more effectively at Framework’s Sherwood Street Centre.

“Funds raised last year directly ran a project which helped almost 40 homeless individuals to escape homelessness for good: more quickly and more effectively.

“The Centre is always full and waiting lists can go well beyond double figures. We have a desperate and worsening situation in Mansfield with people coming to Sherwood Street and asking for help every single day.

The Big Snore is an important part of helping to meet that need.”

Graham Paling, Mansfield Team Manager from electricity network operator Western Power Distribution, who sponsored the Big Snore, added: “We are delighted to support Framework and all the work that they do across the East Midlands.

Continuing to sponsor the Big Snore and valuing action to help vulnerable people is something we are proud to do as an organisation.”

Among the volunteers sleeping rough were John Coxhead, secretary of Mansfield Labour party and Sir Alan Meale MP, who raised £3,300.