AddThis SmartLayers

Former regional press couple sleep rough to raise cash for charity

A couple who both worked on daily newspapers in the Midlands have spent a night sleeping rough to raise money for the homeless.

Elaine and Bill Pritchard took part in the YMCA sleep-out 2017 over the weekend to help the charity.

Bill is a former sub-editor on both the Burton Mail and Derby Telegraph, while Elaine was the Telegraph’s picture editor and now runs her own freelance writing service.

Bill also took part in the challenge last year, raising around £500 for the YMCA.

Elaine Pritchard

Elaine, pictured, told the Mail: “When I set up my own business seven years ago, I didn’t know much about the YMCA, apart from Village People.

“We were invited to the 2016 annual meeting at the YMCA where they launched the sleep-out, which was when Bill decided to do it. He had a great time of it last year, raising awareness and around £500 too.

“It’s wonderful the work they do at the YMCA but they do need help. Burton simply would be a different and much darker place without the work that they do.”

Meanwhile another group of weekly newspaper staff are set to sleep rough for a night to raise funds for homeless people.

Journalists from the Watford Observer will be among those to take part in the Big Sleepout event, organised by Watford-based charity New Hope.

So far Observer staff have raised more than £100 through sponsorship ahead of the event, which will take place on Friday.

Deputy editor Robert Collins said: “I think it is important to get involved as homelessness is a growing concern in Watford.”

And head of news Anna Slater said: “I’m looking forward to supporting homeless people in the area. It is going to be a challenge but I know it will all be worth it when we raise a lot of money.”

Also taking part are sports reporters Rachel Russell, Ron Walker and Harry Grey, digital sales manager Natasha Isabelle, as well as accountants Tania Knight, Dan McGroarty and Anna Bareva.

To sponsor the Observer team, click here.

The Observer team undertaking the challenge

The Observer team undertaking the challenge