Todd Blackadder joins Rec Sleep Out team

Bath Rugby’s Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder, has signed up to spend a night in the cold at the Rec to help tackle the issue of youth homelessness in Bath.

Bath Rugby Foundation, the charitable arm of Bath Rugby, is holding an overnight sleep out at the home of Bath Rugby on November 7 to raise funds to tackle the issue.

Todd joins fan favourite Lee Mears and scores of businesses and individuals at the Rec Sleep Out, to raise all-important funds for vulnerable young people in Bath. Bath Rugby's General Manager Stuart Hooper, CEO, Tarquin McDonald and other members of the coaching team have also signed up to take part.

Money raised at the Sleep Out will be a huge boost for the Foundation as well as Julian House, who support 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. Many young people find themselves sofa-surfing or moving between various types of temporary accommodation.

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

Todd said: “The coaching team are keen to support Bath Rugby Foundation as best we can - if that means spending an uncomfortable night at the Rec, so be it.

“The fact that Bath Rugby Foundation staff are working with young people who do not have a regular, safe place to sleep each night is something that needs to be addressed.

“The players and coaches at Bath Rugby all very proud of the life-changing work Bath Rugby Foundation does in the community and we know every penny raised at the Rec Sleep Out will have a positive impact.

“As a coaching team we urge all Bath Rugby supporters to help in any way possible.”

Youth homelessness charity Centrepoint highlights what young people need to keep them from homelessness:

• Access to safe accommodation
• Access to education and training
• Receive help to get mentally and physically healthy
• Be given support to move into independent living

Bath Rugby Foundation’s Chief Executive, Lynne Fernquest, said: “We’re delighted that Todd has signed up to take part. He’s been a great supporter of Bath Rugby Foundation since he arrived at the club.

“And it is not just Todd and the coaching team who are backing the Rec Sleep Out. Once again we have been given great support from Bath Rugby with staff from across the club signing up to take part.”

If you would like to take part, Bath Rugby Foundation is asking businesses to enter teams of four and ask that teams raise a minimum of £1,000, either by fundraising within your business or by direct donation.

Individuals have been asked to set a fundraising target of £250.

There is still plenty of time to sign up to join us at the Rec on November 7. By taking part you will be raising awareness, raising funds and helping make a real difference to the vulnerable young people living in and around Bath.

To sign up please register here.