Knutsford friends sleep out to raise awareness of homelessness

Steve Elstone, Dave Hart and Anthony Lee slept out from 8pm to 9am the following day under a canopy in Canute Square between Sainsbury’s and the Vikings store.

The sleepout attracted a lot of support from passers-by, who stopped to ask Steve and his friends about the event, with some donating food stuffs.

The men were also delighted to see town mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy during the evening, who spent some time with them to show his support.

The sleepout was one of the initiatives by Knutsford for the Homeless, a Facebook group launched seven weeks ago for residents from the town and surrounding areas concerned about the plight of the homeless in Manchester.

“I would like to thank Tatton Estates for allowing us to sleep under the canopy, and everyone who supported us on the night,” said Steve.

Knutsford Mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy, left, at the sleepout

“The Mayor spent a good hour and a half with us, which was really nice, and it was amazing to have his support.

“It was cold to say the least, and we got about two hours sleep.

“However that can be the daily reality for homeless people, and the whole point of the Facebook group is to raise awareness of homelessness.

“We have 167 members in only seven weeks, and will keep it going for as long as we possibly can.”

Steve is appealing for donations of clothing and foodstuffs for the homeless, which are being distributed to organisations in Manchester and Northwich.

He had an anonymous donation of 180 sleeping bags, and 150 bags of clothes have already been given to organisations in Manchester.

Donated items such as coats, sleeping bags, new socks and underwear, coffee, tea, sugar, canned and dried food and noodles, can be left at The Lord Eldon in Tatton Street.

The donated items are dropped off at Manchester every week, and for more details call Steve on 07415 202048 or visit the Knutsford for the Homeless Facebook page.