Auto Windscreens’ Cathy Meakin braves the cold and ‘Does it Rough’ for charity

Auto Windscreens’ Cathy Meakin, who is responsible for the company’s HR, has raised over £860 for Derby-based charity, the Padley Group, by sleeping rough for a night outside of Derby Cathedral.

Cathy ditched her home comforts on Friday night for 12 hours as part of the charity’s annual Sleep Out to highlight the struggle and conditions faced by those who find themselves without a place a stay.

It is the fourth time the event has been held, raising vital funds for the cause, which helps people who are homeless, individuals with mental health issues and those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. Cathy, who volunteers with the charity at weekends in its homeless centre, said: “It was so cold and a challenging night. It really does make you think about what people have to go through when they have nowhere to go and all they have is some cardboard and a sleeping bag to keep themselves warm.”

She added: “One of our Area Service Managers, Dean Johnson, turned up in the early hours armed with a coffee and some hand warmers. It demonstrates how people rely on the kindness of others when they have very little and such acts are incredibly important.”

You can still sponsor Cathy at her ‘Cathy does it Rough’ Justgiving page.