Special school support worker sleeping on streets for six nights for Sheffield Children’s Hospital

A Sheffield special school support worker has been braving sub zero temperatures by sleeping out on the city’s streets in aid of The Children’s Hospital Charity.
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Nick Exley, who works at Heritage Park School, began his six day long stint on Saturday, just as Sheffield endured one of the coldest nights it has seen in recent years.

He said he managed around two hours sleep the first night, with most of it spent walking around the city centre to keep warm.

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But he insists he will stick it out, pointing out that those on the streets or at Sheffield Children’s Hospital don’t have the choice of going home so why should he.

Nick Exley in Sheffield city centre.Nick Exley in Sheffield city centre.
Nick Exley in Sheffield city centre.

He said: “I was close to quitting last night as I was cold and wet and someone had just pinched my phone.

“But I want to make it as authentic as I can as these kinds of things must happen to people who are out here all the time.

“Being out here is a real eye opener. Mental health is a real problem and people are constantly asking me for drugs.

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“My girlfriend wasn’t very happy about me doing this but she paid me a visit yesterday to keep my spirits up which was really nice.”

The sleep out is just one part of a year’s fundraising effort for the 29-year-old Barnsley man, who was inspired to attempt the feat after seeing the plight of the city’s homeless during the first lockdown.

After completing this month’s chilly challenge, he will also be running a marathon, completing a virtual row to America and walking the coast to coast path, among other things.

Lucy Rathbone, regional fundraising officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We’re so grateful to Nick for his continued support of Sheffield Children’s.

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“Sleeping out in the freezing conditions we have experienced over the last few days can’t have been easy and his determination to help inspires us all.

“Every penny raised will help build a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, changing lives for generations yet to come.”

To find out more or donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NickExley.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.