Six volunteers braved the elements by sleeping out in the open in December, as temperatures dropped to below freezing, to raise funds for charity.

The second annual rough sleep for Hetty’s Charity at Debdale Recreation Park, Mansfield Woodhouse, has raised more than £3,000.

The charity supports families affected by a loved one’s substance misuse.

Although equipped with sleeping bags and warm clothing, the volunteers had no shelter from the weather — and it rained, leaving their sleeping bags soaked.

Hetty’s operational lead, Tracey Crosby, who was taking part for a second successive year, said: “I have a massive fear of rodents, so being in a field in the pitch dark was extremely traumatising.

“I swapped my warm bed and house for a piece of cardboard and a sleeping bag, but even that mades me more fortunate than some.

“I did this rough sleep again because Hetty’s always go above and beyond for their clients, staff, and volunteers, so it was my absolute pleasure to put myself completely out of my comfort zone to try to help raise much-needed funds for Hetty’s.”

When asked how they occupied themselves, Tracey added: “We went for a walk to try to warm up, but it was pitch black and we couldn’t see where we were going.

“We did try to find some shelter from the rain, but with no luck so, we had to bed down in the rain. We also saw a huge rat!

“We spent a lot of the time sitting and thinking about how fortunate we are to have shelter, warmth and food.”

Debbie Knowles, chief executive of Hetty’s, said: “The event was to raise awareness of the potential consequences of a loved one’s drug and alcohol misuse/addiction. To highlight that without families, so many more individuals suffering from addiction and mental health face the possibility of homelessness. And to stress that without funding, charitable services like Hetty’s would not be available to support vulnerable families and their loved ones.”

Hetty’s thanked Shel Bailey and everyone at Debdale Recreation Park for their hospitality and keeping the group safe.

To donate to the rough sleepers go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-crosby-1667380555768

If you would like to join the rough sleep in 2023, email Tracey Crosby at [email protected]