On Thursday, more than 250 people took to the stands of ATM Headingley Stadium to brave the cold in aid of three Leeds based charities.
Organised by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St Gemma’s Hospice and St George’s Crypt, the seventh annual sleepout was a huge success, with players and staff from the Leeds Rhinos coming together to join dozens of supporters and volunteers by sleeping out under the stars to raise vital funds and help tackle the issue of homelessness.
The stadium provided a different function to what fans are normally used to on a matchday, as participants grabbed their sleeping bags to make the cold terraces their home for the evening.
The event saw a record amount of sleepers taking part, with six teams representing the Rhinos, including the whole men’s squad, members of the Women’s, Wheelchair, Netball, PDRL and LDSL teams also taking to the stands.
Commenting on the success of the sleepout, Gareth Cook, Head of Community and Engagement, said: “Leeds Big Sleep, 2023, has once again proven hugely popular with a record number of participants taking part, bringing people together to raise vital funds for three worthy causes.
I am overwhelmed by the amount of support given during these are uncertain times, especially how much the Leeds Rhinos players, coaches and staff have embraced the challenge.
The funding will go towards supporting some of the most vulnerable in the city and provide a long-lasting impact. Once again, I cannot thank people enough for their amazing contributions.”