Esher pupils give up their beds to raise money for Rentstart with big sleep out

Sixth-formers from Claremont Fan Court School slept in cardboard boxes to raise money and awareness for the homeless charity

By Danielle Hicks

FUNDRAISING MISSION: Teachers and pupils at the school meet Monica Harding (Lid Dems Esher and Walton) and Andy Robertson (Rentstart)

A number of sixth-formers and teachers from Claremont Fan Court School in Esher slept outside in cardboard boxes to raise money for Elmbridge charity, Rentstart on Friday, February 10.

The students hoped to raise a target of £5,000 for the charity, which will go directly to its clients via practical, mental, and physical support. The sleep out kicked off a year-long partnership between Rentstart and the independent school that pledges to raise £100,000 to support five Surrey charities as part of its centenary fundraising efforts, Claremont 100.

The 27 pupils who took part experienced what it was like to sleep rough on the chilly ground to raise awareness of homelessness issues, from 6:30 pm students made their box home for the evening and listened to talks from the charity along with special guests, Sean Walsh from Chelsea Football Academy, and Esher and Walton Liberal Democratic candidate, Monica Harding. Students then got creative to perform a variety show, each team presenting why it is they were taking part in the sleep out, with homelessness as the theme.

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Rentstart’s fundraising manager, Andy Robertson, said: “I was so impressed with all of those who took part; a night in the cold with a cardboard box for a bed is not easy and went some way to help participants understand the real struggle and trauma of those who sleep rough in our community on a regular basis. Thank you to all who got stuck in, helping to raise almost £5,000 for the charity.”

GETTING COMFORTABLE: Students decorate the outdoor tunnels during their sleep out

After a cold and hard night, the students and teachers packed up at 6 am, many with a renewed appreciation for their warm beds at home. Head of the sixth form, Emma Wells, who also took part in the sleep out, added: “I’m very proud of the pupils that took part, spending a night sleeping in the cold with only a cardboard box for protection demonstrated true resilience and commitment to the cause.”

To donate to the sleep out visit the JustGiving page. For more details on Rentstart and how to help donate or volunteer for the charity based in Walton-on-Thames High Street visit the office or website.