MORE than 50 students at the University of Chester took part in a sponsored ‘sleep out’ in support of the city’s homeless.

They spent a night sleeping outside at the Harold Tomlins Centre on Grosvenor Street, raising over £2,500 for city charity Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH).

Participants included members of the cheerleading squad, dance club, netball team, law society and rotaract as well as the women’s lacrosse and hockey clubs.

Zoe and Millie Deponeo, both 21 and from Chester, are Club Captains of Chester Vixens Cheerleaders. They said: “We are so proud of the amount raised for Chester Aid to the Homeless.

“It was so lovely to see all of the other Chester sports and societies in attendance, doing something great for the community. It’s always our most highly anticipated charity event of the year, and we hope our donation will make a difference to those in need.”

Scott Hughes, who is 25, and from Wrexham, is President of the Law Society. He said: “What an eye opener it was!

“I think most people take for granted what they have, as we lay on the stone cold floor with droplets of rain and the odd gust of wind, the weather seemed to take a crazy turn around between 3am and 4am when it felt like the wind turned any piece of litter into a weapon to be hit by - not to mention the rat that came to visit!

“We were fortunate enough to have warm coats, sleeping bags and many layers - some homeless people aren’t so lucky.”

Jack McGovern, Chester Students’ Union Vice-President Activities, added: “Fundraising is a big part of life at Chester Students’ Union and we are always looking for different ways to raise money for local charities. I am very proud of all of our sports and societies who raised money at the Sleep Out.”