More than £30,000 has been raised for Wycombe Homeless Connection after numerous participants signed up for this year’s Big Sleepout.

The event sees people ‘sleep rough’ in designated areas to replicate what those who are homeless are currently experiencing.

Bucks Free Press: The Wycombe Homeless Connection volunteers at Adams ParkThe Wycombe Homeless Connection volunteers at Adams Park (Image: Wycombe Homeless Connection)

This year, those who took part slept at Adams Park, the home of Wycombe Wanderers, along with school playgrounds, churchyards and back gardens.

The most recent sleepout occurred in the evening of March 2 and into the morning of March 3.

Bucks Free Press: Aaron and Jonathan under the starsAaron and Jonathan under the stars (Image: Wycombe Homeless Connection)

Heather Stanley, WHC’s Fundraising Manager, said: “The government’s plan to end rough sleeping by 2024 has failed.

"We are increasingly busy, recently doubling the amount of support we offer in Chesham and making sure our support centre and helpline are open for all who need them.

“Other charities and services in the area are under increasing pressure, meaning we are expecting to help more people who have lost their homes this year.”

Bucks Free Press: It was a chilly start to the Sunday morning as a thin layer of frost was on the Adams Park pitchIt was a chilly start to the Sunday morning as a thin layer of frost was on the Adams Park pitch (Image: Wycombe Homeless Connection)

“Our thanks go to everyone who braved the frost and bitter cold on Saturday night.

"Without them, their sponsors, and the support of our community we wouldn’t be able to be here to help people who are homeless find hope and safety.

“Nor could we do our work which prevents hundreds of people each year from losing their home in the first place.”

Jonathan, aged 11, who slept in his garden under a tarpaulin cover with his eight-year-old brother Aaron said: “I didn’t sleep all that well.

Bucks Free Press: Taking refuge at Adams ParkTaking refuge at Adams Park (Image: Wycombe Homeless Connection)

“It was quite chilly and I kept waking up but I didn’t want to have a hot water bottle because homeless people don’t have them.”

Wycombe Homeless Connection is a charity that helps people who have become homeless or are facing homelessness in south Buckinghamshire.

Bucks Free Press: The town's MP, Steve Baker, was in attendance The town's MP, Steve Baker, was in attendance (Image: Wycombe Homeless Connection)

The charities’ services are free and available to people who have lost their homes or are worried about losing them.

To get in touch, call 01494 446 699 or go to www.wyhoc.org.uk.