[O]n Saturday 20 January a group of dedicated fundraisers gave up their warm homes for a cold but unforgettable overnight stay in Honister Slate Mine, England’s only productive/working slate mine so that older people don’t have to suffer the cold.
Allied Health Professionals from across Cumbria slept out in the mine along with members of staff from Honister to raise money for Cumbrian residents in need of support through the winter months.
The Big Sleep is an annual event organised by the Cumbria Community Foundation to raise money for their Winter Warmth Appeal, which supports older people in Cumbria who struggle to pay their heating and fuel bills in the winter months.
Joe Weir, Co-owner of Honister Slate Mine, said: “Honister Slate Mine is proud to have once again hosted The Big Sleep as each year we look forward to welcoming such a dedicated group of people who already go above and beyond during their daily jobs but are also prepared to go the extra mile and raise money for the local community. As a local family business Honister Slate Mine values the work of Cumbria Community Foundation and we are pleased to be able to put the mine to good use and provide such an iconic venue for an overnight adventure not to be missed and raise money for such an important cause this winter.”
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Big Sleep is held every winter to raise money for our Winter Warmth Appeal. In the past four years, more than 500 people have been sponsored to sleep out in the cold, raising £100,000. However, if you can’t make the Big Sleep, we encourage people to do their own sponsored camp out, like the Allied Health Professionals, who have slept out for three years running, in a very unique setting! We are very grateful for all the support we have received, which helps to keep older Cumbrians warm and well in the winter months.”
