TWO NEWPORT councillors gave up their beds last week for ‘Sleep out 2013’ – in a bid to raise money whilst experiencing sleeping rough.

Charles Ferris and Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, from Newport, councillors for Allt-yr-yn and Stow Hill wards respectively, slept at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium on November 7.

It was in a bid to raise money for Llamau, a charity that works with people that have found themselves homeless.

‘Sleep Out’ is a national event with many other locations across the UK hosting similar evenings.

With over 80,000 people homeless throughout Britain, the councillors felt that anything they could do to help would be worthwhile.

Cllr Ferris, 61, said: “I’ve seen people on the streets and it’s a truly terrible thing to see.

“You notice the decline in individuals who’ve been homeless for a while and it’s horrible.

“So we thought we’d do this to try and help as Llamau are brilliant at getting people out of this and back on their feet.

“But we were in a party atmosphere. We knew we were safe whereas people who are sleeping out for real have the terror of not knowing if they are.

“They’re particularly vulnerable to an attack which is something that we couldn’t replicate.”

The event attracted 130 participants and entertainment was provided for the evening before they settled down for a night in the wind and rain.

Only Boys Aloud sang whilst “Nessa” – a lookalike from Gavin and Stacey – and others mingled with participants, whilst food was donated from businesses.

In a bid to avoid the dreaded cold, a luxury tent was put up for auction, where competing businesses joined forces to bid £2500 for the privilege.

Cllr Ferris and Cllr Al-Nuaimi have decided to combine their money and donate together to Llamau, and they’re close to raising over £1,000.

“I’ve got about £500 at the moment but I’ve got some more coming,” added Cllr Ferris. “Miqdad has a similar amount so hopefully it can help people.

“The money Llamau receive will all be distributed in Wales and a proportion of that will help people in Newport.”

To make a donation you can contact Cllr Ferris on 01633 250148.