Barrow AFC's SO Legal Stadium was transformed into makeshift sleeping quarters to raise funds and awareness for Furness Homeless Support Group.

Around 40 volunteers descended on the Holker Street stadium on Saturday armed with sleeping bags, pillows and thick layers of clothing.

Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham and Ulverston Mayor Graham Scrogham had attended last year's successful event however, some, like Dalton deputy Mayor Ann Thurlow, braved the evening for the first time.

READ MORE: Dramatic increase in emergency food parcels in Westmorland and Furness

All participants were checked in and provided with 'survival packs' to help them through the night.

Refreshments and hot soup were provided whilst Furness Music Centre orchestra and choir performed a medley of music to welcome everyone.

Jack Dale, a local guitarist and singer, also performed followed by duo Gary Robinson and Mark Preston from Big Pharmer.

Singer Kelly Griffiths ended the evening with a rendition of LFC's You'll Never Walk Alone, chosen to typify the ethos of the event. 

The makeshift sleeping quarters (Image: Forty Winks 4 Furness) At 11pm, stadium lights were turned off and darkness descended over the sleeping area as participants made themselves as comfortable as possible.

The cardboard bases could not take away the firmness of the hard floor - a reminder of just how tough it is sleeping rough - even for just one night.

The weather was described as relatively kind compared to last year, and whilst cold wind blew around the sleeping area, the rain held off until around 5am.

Club official Paula Boyd and her husband Mannie then arrived and made breakfast buns for everyone.

At 6am Barrow AFC stadium manager Ricky Wallbank turned back the lights back on to allow everyone to enjoy their breakfast.

Organiser Councillor Paul Griffiths said he, and his right-hand man Simon Waterworth, had stayed awake through the night to ensure the safety of the participants.

Big Pharmer, Jack Dale and Kelly Griffiths performed at the evening (Image: Forty Winks 4 Furness) Cllr Griffiths said: "Simon was bemused that, in-spite of the loud snoring that had echoed round the stadium through the night, everyone seemed to claim, they 'hadn't slept a wink'

"Ultimately the event is about raising awareness around the plight of people who find themselves homeless through no fault of their own and to raise funds in aid of the Furness Homeless Support Group.

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"This year's total, which is currently around £7k, means that since 2023 Forty Winks 4 Furness have raised over £21k for the charity.

Some participants like Dalton deputy Mayor, Ann Thurlow, braved the evening for the first time  (Image: Forty Winks 4 Furness) "This is testament to the hard work of everyone that came together to make this event happen and demonstrates the compassion that so clearly exists amongst the residents and organisations of Furness."

The Forty Winks 4 Furness GoFundMe page will remain open until New Year's Eve.

Cllr Griffiths would like to thank everyone involved including co-organisers Barrow AFC, Westmorland and Furness Council, Barrow Town Council, EMCOR Facilities Management Services, and Barrow AFC Community Engagement Officer Mannie Allen-Burnett.