24th January 2017
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner will mark his upcoming birthday by spending a night under the stars to raise money for charity.
Peter McCall will join up to 200 other fundraisers as he beds down by Lake Windermere for a night of sponsored discomfort at Cumbria Community Foundation’s annual Big Sleep event on 28th January.
The Big Sleep is held in aid of the charity’s Winter Warmth Appeal which helps vulnerable older people in Cumbria who struggle to heat their homes during the cold winter months. The appeal helps keep older people in our county warm and safe in the winter.
Fuel poverty is a serious issue in Cumbria. Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed a sharp increase in the number of excess winter deaths in Cumbria. Bad winters have seen as many as 300 excess winter deaths in the county, but this figure has leapt 50 percent to 460 in the latest figures for the winter of 2014 /15.
Peter McCall said: “The Big Sleep event is a great idea, and I am looking forward to taking part because I believe it is such a worthwhile cause. By raising money for the Winter Warmth Appeal, so many people show that they care for others in our community and it helps to raise awareness that we need to look out for our elderly neighbours. I hope we may be able to help prevent some of the 300+ deaths that sadly occur in Cumbria each winter due to the cold. It is also a novel way to spend one’s birthday!”
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “I am delighted that Peter has chosen to spend his birthday with us at the Big Sleep. It’s a great challenge and also a lot of fun. There’s live music, family entertainment, a film plus more surprises on the evening. I’m sure it will be a birthday he’ll never forget.”
It’s not too late for teams, families and individuals to take on the fundraising challenge which will be held in front of the Low Wood Bay Hotel in Windermere next Saturday.
To enter visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/bigsleep/enter or phone 01900 825760.
You don’t have to sleep out to raise money for the appeal; anyone can donate to the Winter Warmth Fund. Visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund, phone 01900 825760 or text WINT37 and your amount to 70070.
