BUSINESS leaders from across the region will be trading in their beds for sleeping bags as they spend a night sleeping ‘rough’ in the cloister of Durham Cathedral.

Those braving the elements on Monday will be giving up on any luxuries for a night to raise money for CEO Sleepout, a nationwide initiative which brings senior level executives together to fight poverty in the regions where they live and work.

They will be joined by the Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham and the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham.

The 2017 Durham CEO Sleepout raised £24,800 with CEO Sleepout UK Chairman and Founder Andy Preston challenging this year’s participants to raise even more,

He said: “This is about the people of the North-East coming together to make real changes that can make life changing difference to people’s lives. One night of hardship to help so many. It’s a special thing to do”.

Charities being supported by the sleepout are Changing Lives, Durham Action on Single Housing, Foodcycle, East Durham Trust, Sanctuary 21, Hospitality and Hope, Durham Christian Partnership and Durham Cathedral.

Bishop Butler said: “Homelessness is a huge issue in society.

“I hope this worthwhile event raises awareness as well as raising money for excellent local charities.”

Dean Tremlett added: “Raising awareness and money in support of homelessness and rough sleeping is crucial as the number of people sleeping on British streets continues to rise.

“It’s important to support local charities that make an enormous difference to those living in desperate circumstances.”

Among those taking part will be Carol Gaskarth, chief executive of the Newton Aycliffe-based Pioneering Care Partnership.

She said: “I’ve decided to sleep out for the night to highlight the issues of homelessness locally; for too many people sleeping rough isn’t a choice.

“I have the luxury of a nice home and a warm bed and I couldn’t imagine a life without these basic necessities.

“While sleeping out for this one night does not compare to the reality for those people who face it day in and day out, for me it will be a challenge to brave the elements – and I believe it is forecast to rain.

“If I can increase understanding and raise vital funds to support the work of Changing Lives and other charities fighting poverty through this experience then it will be very worthwhile.”

The biggest fundraiser so far is Mandy Williams, owner of Durham’s Tempest Dance and Fitness Studio.

To register visit www.ceosleepoutuk.com/durham.