A Bolton woman will be pushing herself out of her comfort zone this evening as she takes part in the BWFC sleepout.

Jenna Louise Atkinson, 34, from Lostock, is taking part in the Bolton Wanderers in the Community and Urban Outreach sleepout to raise funds for the two charities in support of Bolton’s homeless.

She will be joined by her friend, Vicky and her brother Scott and she said as the event approaches she is getting more and more nervous.

Jenna said: “I decided to take part because it is really out of my comfort zone and I just thought I would challenge myself to do it to raise awareness of homelessness.

“The proceeds raised from the sleepout as a whole are being split between Bolton Wanderers in the Community and Urban Outreach and they are just two amazing causes.

“I didn’t think it would be snowing but I’m going to wrap up and go and get my dad's big coat off him.

“So far in mine and my friends sponsor form, we have managed to raise £930 so far and we are hoping to get to £1,000.

“The target was originally £200 each but now we are close we are hoping to hit the target.

“Collectively, after speaking to someone at Bolton Wanderers in the Community, I think there has been more than £10,000 raised between everyone who is taking part.

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“I thought in 2023 I’m going to challenge myself so I signed up for it and I’m feeling a bit nervous, but I know I will be chuffed when I have done it.

“It is such an amazing thing to be able to do but I’m not sure if I will sleep because I don’t sleep well in the cold.

“I’m getting nervous because of the weather but I’ve ordered some hot water bottles to take with me.”

Jenna said she has realised when ordering items to take with her that homeless people do not have the luxury.

She said: “I think you also realise we can order things to keep us warm but people who are living on the streets, they must be so cold, and I hate the thought of that.

“It’s horrendous.

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“ I don’t think anyone should be alone and in freezing conditions and if you have love and a roof over your head you’ve got everything really and I just want to raise this money so the two charities can help.

“I’m really proud to be from Bolton because I think it is a great town and full of great people so that’s why I’m doing it as well for two local charities.

“I just thought I’d sign myself up but now I’m getting a bit nervous about it.”

The BWFC Sleepout is taking place this evening between 8pm and 8am with residents invited to sleep under the stars at the home of the Wanderers to raise vital funds for charity.

If you would like to donate to Jenna’s JustGiving page, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/boltonlassesdotheboltonsleepout