Mansfield Town

Big Snore to be bigger and better than ever as almost 200 set to brave freezing conditions at One Call Stadium

Over 180 people will shiver through the night against the elements as they attempt to sleep 24 hours without four walls, or any of their usual comforts.

Participants will tackle expected frost all in the name of charity, as each volunteer rough sleeper raises funds for local homelessness charity Framework.

Commercial manager Paul Nyland will be sleeping out, along with sponsors Malcolm Hall of Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies, Ulyett Landscapes' Mark Burton, Riley & Co's Steve Devine-Bradbury and Andy Plant of Acorn Signs.

This is the 11th time that people of Mansfield and beyond will take part in the challenge but the very first time that the One Call Stadium opens its doors – or indeed – its car park to the brave volunteers. The Big Snore has become an incredibly popular challenge from extremely humble beginnings at St Mark’s church, where it began to raise funds for a single washing machine and a team of only two fundraisers.

The Big Snore has received an all-time-high amount of interest for the event from across the East Midlands, ensuring that this year’s Boxfactor challenge – a competition testing cardboard creativity, will also grow in size, prowess, and be one not to miss!

Every penny raised will reach individuals who face, or have faced homelessness in Mansfield. The proceeds will be used to encourage vulnerable people to take steps away from instability and towards a more positive and enjoyable life within the community.

As the final preparations come together for the event on Friday, Framework representatives and members of Mansfield Town have been working closely to ensure a fun and safe event for all.

Following a successful bucket shake at One Call Stadium on Saturday before our match at home to Wycombe Wanderers, Framework Fundraising Manager Louise Darby said: “I’m really delighted to see such a small church event grow into such a strong community event since its launch in 2004. It’s a new home and a new feel but we’re thrilled to invite the St Mark’s community back to our 11th year. We owe so much to the church community, and special thanks must go to previous organiser Pam Bishop and to Mansfield town FC for giving us a new home and welcoming the event so warmly.”

Mansfield Town operations director Tina Broughton said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing almost 200 volunteer rough sleepers on Friday. The fact that we can offer a new bigger home is conducive to raising a greater amount of funds for the Mansfield Appeal. We are delighted to host such an admirable event and have the chance to give back a little more to our home town.”

Volunteers will encounter cold and discomfort for one night and have the opportunity to reflect on the difficulties that rough sleepers face. It will be a memorable experience for all but the challenge can never truly reflect the tragic nature of homelessness and displacement, a cause in Mansfield that all money raised at the Big Snore will support.