CEO Sleepout returns to St James’ Park next March

Business leaders from across the North East will be swapping their warm beds for a night sleeping in St James’ Park to help raise funds and tackle homelessness across the region.

CEO Sleepout Newcastle will take place on March 26 next year, running overnight from 8pm until 6:30am.

Temperatures are expected to be around freezing in the stadium, where dozens of executives will be braving the cold to support North East charities working to reduce poverty.

The sleepout has raised impressive figures in previous years and last year was no different. £44,000 was raised for charities across Newcastle including Changing Lives, who provide guidance to people in crisis who face eviction from accommodation.

Changing Lives will also celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020, marking half a century of building futures for vulnerable people.

Funds raised during the sleepout will be split between Newcastle United Foundation, Changing Lives, CEO Sleepout and a small number of other Tyneside charities.

Caroline Brown, Newcastle United Foundation events manager, said: “Our next CEO Sleepout Newcastle will be the perfect opportunity to honour Changing Lives 50th year of helping and supporting people in the North East.

“The Sleepout at St. James’ Park has become a much-anticipated fixture in the region’s fundraising calendar and we’re looking forward to hopefully welcome a record number of peoples to this year’s event.

“If you’ve taken part before you know it’s a really special night and we would love to welcome you back again!”