Preston North End fans urged to support the 'Big PNE Sleep In'

In November last year, the Big Sleep Out took place at Deepdale with members of the public sleeping on the concourse of the Bill Shankly Kop to hightlight the plight of the homeless.

The event was superbly supported and raised £90,000 for the Foxton’s Housing First initiative.

PNE striker Louis Moult attended the event, having done work previously with the Foxton Centre.

The Big Sleep In will raise awareness of the Foxton Centre’s work with the homeless during the Covid-19 pandemic.

That work is so important as it aims to keep some of the most vulnerable members of society safe and healthy.

It will take place on Good Friday (April 10) and will all be done from home in line with the Government instruction to stay in.

People are encouraged to get in a sleeping bag and share photos on social media using the #pnesleepin hastag.

Tom Drake, head of the PNE Community and Education Trust, said: “After the success of the Big PNE Sleep Out last year which we held at Deepdale, the Big PNE Sleep In will now allow a younger generation of people, along with their families, to take part and show their support for the homeless and the work of the Foxton Centre.

“We are proud to be involved in this event at a time where many people will be facing social isolation, and taking part in the Sleep In event can potentially really help with that by becoming interactive online.

"We are looking forward to seeing the community come together once again in the name of the Foxton Centre again next week and hope to see plenty of Preston North End fans among those taking part."

The Foxton Centre has been working to help the city’s homeless who can’t ‘stay home’ as the government is urging.

Chief executive of the Foxton, Jeff Marsh, said: “Our Housing First scheme has helped accommodate over 30 former rough sleepers with the support of the people of Preston.

“The Sleep In event offers everyone an opportunity to show their support for those without a roof over their head at a time when we are self-isolating at home.”