Last Friday, 35 St Joseph’s pupils and 5 members of staff braved the cold to sleep underneath the Cathedral cloisters for the Big Sleep 2025, an annual fundraising event run by local homelessness charity Alabaré.
Mr Rooney, our Deputy Head who takes part in the event every year, said: “It fell to 1 degree during the night, and on average we got 1–2 hours sleep per person.” But despite the cold and the hard ground, the pupils’ biggest challenge was Mr Caruso and Mr Rooney battling out for champion snorer!
Some of their highlights included…
- Hearing from a client of Alabare on how the charity has helped them get back on their feet
- A sing-along with Godolphin pupils (particular favourites were songs from Moana and Frozen)
- Poker table – Year 11 with Mrs O’Grady and Mr Caruso
- Passing the time with games like Just Dance and Uno
- McDonalds breakfast!
- The company and camaraderie of 35 pupils and 5 staff (thank you to Mr Caruso, Mrs Evans, Mrs Newton, Mrs O’Grady and Mr Rooney)
The Big Sleep by Alabaré is a way for schools each year to stand against homelessness by bedding down for one night at outside Salisbury Cathedral, in a single act of compassion to help save lives. For us it was just one night, and in the morning we could return to our warm home and comfortable bed – but for thousands of people, they don’t have that choice. If you can, please support us by donating to our fundraising page. Thank you!
