Gill’s story
Since moving to Swindon I have become increasingly aware that there is still a massive issue with homelessness. Far too many people are under threat of losing their home, many more are sofa surfing and sadly there are those that are forced to sleep on the streets. I am extremely fortunate in that I have a roof over my head and an amazing family that love and support each other: My older daughter in particular has helped open my eyes to so many injustices within our society, but surely having a warm, safe and secure place to call home is fundamental and we should not have anyone denied this in one of the richest countries in the world.
In 2020 with COVID-19 and social distancing putting a stop to many fundraising activities, I still managed to do the virtual Big Sleep Out for Launchpad in Reading, where I used to live. Although I have camped extensively in remote locations across the world whilst participating in challenge treks for charity, that was always in a group, so sleeping outside, alone was quite a different and very emotional experience and that was in the relative safety of my back garden and only October.
Last year, I braved the December weather and joined Threshold supporters in raising vital funds to enable them to continue doing their amazing work. The temperature was several degrees lower than October from the previous year, but still a far cry from what homeless people face night after night - even lower temperatures, bad weather, nowhere comfortable to sleep and constantly under the threat of harm It rained unexpectedly and in my open sided beach shelter I got a tad 'damp', but here I am again this year looking to do the same (but hopefully not get wet).
I have been so privileged to get a better insight in some of the projects run by Threshold, with members of their amazing team giving up their precious time to show me a few of their resettlement hostels and introduce me to some of their service users, whose lives have been completely turned around through their support. With every pound I raise for Threshold, we will be helping to ensure that people at risk of homelessness in Swindon have a more hopeful future..
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