THE High Sheriff of Cumbria is gearing up to bed down under the stars alongside other campers at the annual Big Sleep next month to raise money for older people this winter.

Organised by Cumbria Community Foundation, the annual Big Sleep takes place on March 9 opposite the Low Wood Bay Hotel on the shore of Windermere. The event aims to raise awareness of the plight of older people who struggle to heat their homes during the cold winter months.

Simon Berry, who is also chairman and managing director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, said: “This year’s Big Sleep is doubly special for me in 2019. We all at the Low Wood Bay Resort are delighted to host the event again and as the current High Sheriff I will be sleeping out myself, helping to raise money and awareness of Community Foundations Winter Warmth Appeal. Please do sign up and come and join me.”

People taking part are encouraged to get sponsorship for braving the cold winter weather overnight.

All money raised supports the Winter Warmth Appeal - a pot of money distributed to older, vulnerable Cumbrians via Age UK to help pay towards heating bills. Since its launch the Big Sleep has raised more than £100,000 for the Appeal, which benefits around 1,000 older people each year.

Annalee Holliday, grants and donor services officer at the foundation, said: “The Big Sleep is by far the biggest fundraiser for the Winter Warmth Appeal. Bad winters have seen as many as 460 excess winter deaths in the county. It will be cold but it’s always a great atmosphere and I hope people are encouraged to enter and raise what they can for this very important cause.”

People can sign up to take part in the Big Sleep by visiting www.cumbriafoundation.org/bigsleep. It costs £35 for adults and £5 for children. The entry fee covers refreshments, an evening meal, activities and breakfast.

For more information about the event, contact Anne Meeghan by emailing anne@cumbriafoundation.org or calling 01900 825760.

Visit: www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund