Volunteers brave the streets overnight to support homeless animals and raise over £1,100 for Bleakholt

Sunday, 25 May 2025 00:48

By David Murphy

A local fundraiser for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has offered a raw insight into what life feels like for abandoned pets, after volunteers spent 12 hours sleeping rough to raise awareness and funds.

At 3.15am, Laura Ashton was still awake, lying under a shelter in the midst of her overnight charity sleep out. Writing in real time during the experience on Facebook, she described the constant sounds of sirens and passing voices, and the unsettling uncertainty that came with it, even while partially protected from the rain.

“As a human, I understand what’s going on, but that doesn’t stop me being scared,” she wrote. “So then I think, imagine being a dog, a cat, a rabbit. Once in a home where they thought they would be loved forever, to find themselves on the street, homeless.”

Laura’s reflections were posted online as the group approached the final hours of their 12 hour sleep out, undertaken in support of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, a charity that rescues and rehomes animals in the North West.

The group was fortunate to have sleeping bags and shelter, but the ambient conditions still delivered a tough night. For many of the animals they aimed to help, the elements are faced without such support.

Bleakholt recently shared the story of two six week old kittens found tied to a tree. In previous years, they’ve rescued animals like a bulldog named Frog and a 12 week old stray puppy named Lila, both of whom inspired this latest sleep out.

So far the campaign has raised £1,151 of its £1,200 target, backed by 93 supporters. Donations go directly to the sanctuary and help cover essential costs such as veterinary care, food, and shelter.

The event was organised not only to raise funds, but also to create awareness for animals who have been abandoned, mistreated, or left to fend for themselves. Supporters are being encouraged to contribute whatever they can to make the participants’ efforts count and ensure no animal is left without the care and safety they need.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/wwn-bleakholtbusinessbattle?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015