Sheffield Eagles took part in The BIG Sleepout last Friday 12^th October, sleeping rough to raise funds and awareness to support the estimated 4000 children and young people in South Yorkshire that run away from home each year.

Eagles Community Manager Adam Hughes and Marketing Executive Liam Claffey took part in the event, getting a small taste of what spending a night on the streets might be like for a young runaway who feels they have no choice but to sleep rough.

Both had to forgo all comforts for the night, only being allowed basic items to keep warm such as a sleeping bag and a cardboard box.

Speaking of the event, Adam Hughes said “Thanks to everyone at SAFE@LAST. This isn’t the first event we have been involved with together, maybe the coldest but it was all for a very worthwhile cause and I would encourage more people to get involved with the charity as the work they carry out really makes a difference.

“We as the Sheffield Eagles and our charitable arm ‘Include’ look forward to working with SAFE@LAST more in the future.”

Around 75 people took part in the BIG Sleepout which took place in the car park at Don Valley Stadium, home to many Sheffield Eagles home games and the club offices with temperatures reaching as low as 4°C.

Eagles first team players Misi Taulapapa and Pat Smith also came down to the BIG Sleepout to show their support and brought along the Championship Trophy too.

Liam Claffey added, “I’d like to thank everyone at Safe @ Last for inviting the Eagles down to The BIG Sleepout on Friday.”

“It was a good albeit cold evening at Don Valley and we are more than happy to support Safe @ Last with such a great cause and hope by sleeping rough for one night other children may not have to.”

The BIG Sleepout in Sheffield was the third of four events with sleepouts already having taken place in Doncaster and Barnsley. There is still time to register for the Rotherham BIG Sleepout at Parkgate Shopping on Friday 19 October. Please visit: www.thebigsleepout.co.uk