This month saw the first ever CEO Sleepout take place in Hull. The event is part of a wider national initiative that sees business leaders from participating cities around the UK pledge to raise £1000 in sponsorship money by sleeping rough for an evening. The event was set up by Andy Preston, who ran two successful sleepouts in Middlesbrough and Newcastle before realising the potential of the setup and how it could be implemented around the country. Now, the charity is a successful brand with events running regularly, which have become a mainstay on the local business calendar. On November 15 over 40 business leaders from Hull and the surrounding area braved the elements themselves to raise money for Emmaus Hull and East Riding, a charity working with the homeless community. Amongst those bold enough to spend the night in the cold was Finnies director, Neil Tomlin. He was one of Hull’s top fundraisers, amassing over £2000 that will go to local good causes. The night kicked off with a performance from local singer and winner of Hull Daily Mail’s Star Search Casey Adam. Hot drinks were also available throughout the night and everyone attending was supplied with a kit containing foil wraps for warmth and other useful items. It’s fair to say that whilst having access to these sorts of luxuries might not necessarily be totally true to the experience of a homeless person, participants still got a strong insight. With temperatures plummeting as the night wore on and the cold, hard, concrete floor of the stadium acting as a mattress, the night was far from a comfortable one. Speaking after the event, Neil Tomlin said: “Whilst we did have some amenities to make the night slightly more comfortable we still got a very valuable insight in to what the homeless community experience every day of the week. “I’m pleased that I could get involved with something that is going to benefit the local community so directly. “Homelessness has a variety of associated issues but Emmaus do a great job of trying to help as many people as possible off the streets and back in to mainstream society. “As we move in to the grip of winter, the job they do becomes ever more important. Thanks to all those who have sponsored me.” If you’d like to donate to Emmaus you can do so here.