Along with four colleagues, the Bishop of Birmingham, and about 200 others, I spent last night sleeping rough on the streets of Birmingham to raise awareness of and some funds for St Basils. 
 
And it was cold, and wet. The pavement was hard and cardboard turns to mush in rain. As so many less well constructed boxes blew away leaving occupants with no home for the night, I was once again, relieved that this is, for me, only one night each year. But one rather uncomfortable night is nothing if it can help a few more young people in Birmingham spend time going through St Basils' programmes, and have a better start in their adult lives as a result.
 
St Basils is an amazing Social Enterprise based in Birmingham with a turnover of £7m. It works with about 3000 young people every year who have no home or are threatened with homelessness, and gives them hope, a roof over their heads, trains them to have a vocation and a skill, and prepares them for independence and a successful life. The principles of St Basils are excellent. They provide a hand up rather than a hand out.
 
Having slept out on my own last year I thought it would be fun and would raise more money if a few colleagues came this year too. So with his infectious enthusiasm Graham Nicoll, persuaded Andrew Porter, Stuart Bailey and Neil Burden to take part too. Last year I raised nearly £3000 for St Basils, which was more than any other individual. Barclays Bank will match what we raise, so I hope that this year we can raise an even greater sum to really help make a difference.
 
Last year the Sleep Out had the support of the Shadow Secretary of State for International Development and Shadow Minister for Birmingham, Andrew Mitchell MP.
 
This year the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev David Urquhart, braved the whole night wrapping up warmly in a purple sweatshirt with the words BISH written boldly on the back. He's a good man, and it was great to have him participating in support of such a good cause.
 
It would be great if friends would sponsor our team. Donations can be made online at: www.bmycharity.com/V2/BarclaysWealth 
 
Please don't delay, please do this today. Thank you for your generosity.