Bath Rugby chief executive signs up to take part in The Rec Sleep Out

Bath Rugby’s chief executive will join the team who will brave the cold to take part in the Rec Sleep Out next month.

Tarquin McDonald has signed up to take part in the event, which will see fundraisers sleep overnight at the home of Bath Rugby to help tackle the issue of youth homelessness.

Around 40 people have already volunteered to take part in the Rec Sleep Out on Wednesday, November 7.

Money raised at the Rec Sleep Out, which takes place on Wednesday, November 7, will be boost the Foundation and Julian House, which supports homeless people here in Bath.

Bath Rugby Foundation works with more than 2,000 children and young people annually and staff are increasingly aware that more and more of the participants on the charity’s programmes do not have the security of a permanent home and find themselves sofa-surfing or moving between different types of temporary accommodation.

Sadly, some young people are also hungry when they arrive at the charity.

Tarquin McDonald said: “Bath is our home, our community and right now it’s suffering from a real hidden homelessness crisis and it is young people being hit the hardest.

"We believe that all young people should have the opportunity for a bright future and right now, on our doorstep, that isn’t the case.

"This is about coming together to tell this story and to raise much needed funds to help tackle some of the core issues that lead to homelessness.”

Businesses and individuals in Bath have been challenged to join Bath Rugby and Bath Rugby Foundation staff and spend a night out in the cold to help tackle the issue.

Bath Rugby Foundation Chief Executive, Lynne Fernquest, said: “The Rec Sleep Out is simple. We are calling on B&NES businesses and their staff to forgo the comfort of their beds for one night in favour of a sleeping bag on a cold, concrete floor.

“Our objective is to raise awareness of the challenges that vulnerable young people in our community face, while raising much-needed funds for Bath Rugby Foundation and Julian House.

“Bath Rugby Foundation is entering its 15th year and we want to mark this milestone with a significant event. We exist because of our fundraising efforts, whether money is raised from black-tie dinners, rugby-themed evenings, auctions, comedy nights, cycling, swimming, running or walking challenges or grants from trusts and foundations.

“However, as we approach our 15th birthday on November 22, 2018 we want to raise awareness of the plight of an increasing number of our participants – who find themselves one small step away from living on our streets.”

To sponsor Tarquin, please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TarquinMcDonald1

Sign up to take part in the Rec Sleep Out at https://ssl.cow-parsley.co.uk/brf/