Shaun’s sleepout raises over £1,000 for charity

Shaun Keane said “It all started in January when I saw an article about a big sleep out in front of St. John’s Parish Church in the centre of Blackpool, facing the Winter Gardens. I thought that’s a coincidence, as my superpower is sleeping.

"Entrants had to raise a minimum of £50. At the same time, I had been looking at our national magazine Freemasonry Today and noticed there were over 300 lodges in West Lancashire. I thought if I ask each one for just £1, I’ve cracked it. With the help of our Provincial Office based in Leyland I was able to email every Lodge and Chapter in West Lancashire.

"The first donation I got was actually £1 and I thought well that’s what I asked for; however, over the coming weeks I received donations from every group in West Lancashire, as well as personal donations from fellow Freemasons.

"The £300 target was soon exceeded and increased to an impressive total of £1768.64. The generosity shown has left me humbled. The night of the big sleep outcould not have been worse. It was cold, wet and windy; however, for me it was only one night. For those we are trying to help it’s every night of the week, without a roof over their heads.

"I hope that our donation of £1718.64, combined with those amounts from the other 100 sleepers taking part that night, may go some way to helping those less fortunate than ourselves. In addition to receiving donations, I also received several personal letters andemails of support, for which I am very grateful”.

Ben Gorry, Chairman of The South Fylde Group said “We are all very proud of what Shaun has achieved and this is testament to the generosity and support of Freemasons serving and engaging with our local communities”. For more information please visit www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk