AddThis SmartLayers

Editor to mark first year at daily by sleeping rough in football stadium

Wayne AnkersAn editor is set to mark his first year in charge of a regional daily by sleeping rough in a football stadium for charity.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner editor Wayne Ankers will join a ‘Big Sleep Out’ tomorrow, which has been organised by football club Huddersfield Town in aid of charity Huddersfield Mission.

Wayne, pictured, was inspired to take up the challenge after covering the issue of homelessness “time and time again” during his first 12 months in the editor’s chair at the Examiner.

He joined the newspaper at the end of February 2017, having previously served as associate editor (content) at the Manchester Evening News.

Participants at the ‘Big Sleep Out’ will spend the night in the stands at Town’s home ground, the John Smith’s Stadium.

Wayne told HTFP: “During my first 12 months at the Examiner we have looked at a lot of important issues in the town, but homelessness and people living on the breadline has come up time and time again. In December the Examiner decided to do more than just reporting on these issues.

“We launched a campaign to try and help Huddersfield Mission – an organisation which provides help and support for those in need – raise some much-needed funds to carry on their good work in the town. The campaign raised £23,000.

“So when Huddersfield Town launched ‘Big Sleep Out’ to raise further funds for the Mission I decided to get involved. Town chairman Dean Hoyle will join hundreds of others to sleep in the stands for the night. To me it just seemed like a great idea to continue to raise the profile of the issue and continue the fundraising efforts.

“I can’t say I am looking forward to a night on the concrete, but thankfully it is this week and not last when temperatures plunged to minus five but felt a lot colder. It is not about experiencing what people in real need experience, instead it is about raising money so we can help these people get the help and support they deserve.”

Wayne has already surpassed his target of raising £100 in sponsorship, and those wishing to donate can do so here.

One comment

You can follow all replies to this entry through the comments feed.
  • March 8, 2018 at 5:46 pm
    Permalink

    Target of £100? Set the bar low there!
    Have you forgotten at least one digit?

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)