Leeds Big Sleep charity sleepout at AMT Headingley returns for eighth year

The Leeds Big Sleep returns for another year, bringing together the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George’s Crypt, and St Gemma’s Hospice for a night under the stars at AMT Headingley Stadium on Thursday, October 24th.

Over the past seven years, the Leeds Big Sleep has raised over £300,000 for the three charities to support the city’s most vulnerable individuals.

The three charities who will benefit are Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who are the official charity of Leeds Rhinos, which aims to change lives through the power of sport. St George’s Crypt, based in Leeds, which has been aiding the homeless, vulnerable, and those struggling with addiction since 1930. St Gemma’s Hospice which is a local, independent charity and a global leader in palliative care research.

Participants from across the city, including volunteers and businesses will be leaving their beds for one night to spend one night on the terraces instead of in the comfort of their homes.

Last year’s event saw a record number of volunteers take part in the Big Sleep at AMT Headingley, including players from the Leeds Rhinos Men’s, Women’s, Netball, PDRL, LDSL, and Wheelchair teams.

Gareth Cook, Head of Community and Engagement at Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “The Leeds Big Sleep has become a regular event at AMT Headingley and we are once again delighted to deliver this with our fantastic partners, St George’s Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice.

“The evening is about giving up a night of comfort to support some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.

“This will be the eighth sleepout and it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring businesses together to team build as well as raising vital funds for the worth Leeds based charities.”

Stewart Graham, Head of Fundraising for St Gemma’s commented on the event: “We're so pleased to be taking part in the Leeds Big Sleep again this year raising vital funds for our work with people at the end of their life in Leeds.

“Working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and St George's Crypt on this event is a great part of our fundraising calendar raising over £60,000 each year for the charities and helping us to help more people with life-limiting illnesses across the city. 

“One of the projects it will help fund is our work with people experiencing homelessness at the end of their life, like Alan who had been living in a tent in local woods for nearly 30 years. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like those who take part in the Leeds Big Sleep, we were able to help him get the best possible care in the last months of his life.”

Helen Brownridge, Deputy CEO at St George’s Crypt added: “St George’s Crypt has been part of the Leeds Big Sleep from its inception in October 2017. The sleep out has grown year on year and is now one of the larger fundraising events we are part of. It’s an important event for us because it’s a great way for those taking part to give up one night of comfort and feel first-hand the hardship of sleeping out on concrete with only a sleeping bag to keep warm.

“We operate a 24/7 365 days a year service at the Crypt, which sits below St George’s Church on Great George Street in the centre of Leeds and see daily the difficulties those who are homeless go through.

“Our vision remains to end homelessness in Leeds, support and offer hope to the vulnerable, create safe homes and communities, enable independence by transforming lives in a Christ like way and to ensure St George’s Crypt is sustainable and prepared for the future. By taking part in the Leeds Big Sleep we are highlighting the work we do with those on the margins of society, and we are raising vital funds to enable the work to continue.”

The night is always one to remember, with a whole host of activities taking place throughout the evening including Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo, raffles, a special performance from the Leeds Morris Men plus Tea and coffee will also be provided to all that take part.

All money raised will be split equally between Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George’s Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice, all local charities working to support local people.

To sign up for the 2024 Leeds Big Sleep, please register at https://leedsbigsleep.enthuse.com/cf/leeds-big-sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the event take place?

The event will take place at the home of the Leeds Rhinos:

AMT Headingley Stadium, St Michaels Lane, Leeds, LS6 3BR

Event date: Thursday 24th October – arrive by 7:30pm

Event finish: Friday 25^th October – leave by 8:00am

*Please note: Participants much be aged 18 or over on the day of the event