A wet and windy October evening saw three VEKA Group Directors take part in the first ever charity Sleepout event held at Burnley FC’s Turf Moor ground.

The event raised £28,000 (and counting) for the three charities involved; Burnley FC in the Community, Emmaus Burnley and Jane’s Place, with £3714 of that coming directly from VEKA sponsorship.

VEKA Group Marketing Director Dawn Stockell took part, along with Sales Director Neil Evans and Finance Director Graham Fitton.

Dawn said: “I’m proud that the event raised so much valuable funding for the charities involved. The weather was horrendous on the day of the Sleepout, but rather than call it off or postpone the event, everyone was determined to make it happen.

“I think the wild weather conditions, due to Storm Callum, actually made the whole event even more poignant, considering that we were doing it to support vulnerable people and victims of homelessness in Burnley. For us it was only one night, but many people have to sleep out in all weathers every night of the year.

“Around 50 people took part, to raise awareness and funds, by bedding down in front of the Bob Lord Stand with only a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard for comfort. Before this, we had heard presentations from the leaders of Burnley FC in the Community, Emmaus Burnley and SafeNet who offered insight into how they all, in different ways, support homeless people in the town, which really put things into perspective.”

In a press release on the Burnley FC in the Community website, Chief Executive Officer of BFCitC Neil Hart said: “We delivered this event in the same week it was revealed that 449 homeless people died in the UK in the last 12 months. Those numbers shocked all of us taking part and made us even more determined to raise as much as we could.

“We received incredible support from so many business leaders, Burnley FC fans and people who simply wanted to do their bit. Despite the seriousness of the issue, we were all uplifted by the willingness and spirit of the fundraisers on what was a very wet and windy night.

“All the money raised will go to fighting homelessness in our town and we were pleased to work closely with Emmaus Burnley and SafeNet to deliver this unique event.”

Find out more about VEKA’s commitment to the local community at vekauk.com/about-us and read more about the Turf Sleepout at burnleyfccommunity.org