Published: 21st November 2025
Supporters in the Kirklees community, bedded down on the terraces of the Accu Stadium, in Huddersfield to help raise vital funds for vulnerable individuals and families in need of support.
Over 85 participants showed solidarity on Friday 10th October, swapping their home comforts for a night in uncomfortable conditions on a concrete floor with cardboard as cover and exposed to the outdoor conditions, all in the aid of supporting Giants Community Trust and Howarths Foundation.
Now in the fourth year of partnership, both charities work tirelessly to support vulnerable groups. Giants Community Trust uses sport to create positive opportunities for those in need, while the Howarths Foundation supports people who are homeless or hidden homeless to move into employment.
Special recognition must go to the business supporters – a total of 20 organisations rallied behind the event with passion and a genuine dedication to making a difference.
On the night, fundraisers took in the still and surreal atmosphere before hearing from charity leads Lisa Darwin of Giants Community Trust, along with Carl Hedley and Andy Howarth, CEO of the Foundation. They spoke about how the funds raised will be used to deliver impactful projects and tailored support. The group also listened to a moving first-hand account from a former homeless individual (name) who is now making positive strides forward.
Lisa Darwin, CEO of Giants Community Trust comments on the fantastic support from our sleepers and business support: “We are truly amazed by the number of sleepers and businesses who supported us this year. Reaching our largest total, over £17,000 is a remarkable achievement and will make a significant impact to our projects. I want to extend thanks to everyone who participated and to the army of businesses backing the mission – the support has been overwhelming.”
Andy Howarth, CEO at Howarth Foundation, adds: “It was a cold night, but the generosity and energy brought by every single person who joined us made this experience something truly meaningful.
As a charity, we are working incredibly hard to help people move from homelessness into housing and employment and the donations and support from the Giant Howarths Sleepout help us to move another step towards achieving our mission. Huge thank you to everyone who donated and showed their support.”
If you would like to hear more about the Sleepout and the work of Giants Community Trust and Howarths Foundation, please email:
Lisa Darwin, CEO of Giants Community Trust – Lisa@hgct.co.uk
Andy Howarth, CEO of Howarths Foundation – andy@howarthfoundation.org.uk
