Primary school children launch fundraising bid to fight homelessness through the Pompey CEO Sleepout

Pupils wish headteacher Howard Payne well as he tries out his sleeping bag along with his favourite Manchester United hat and of course his teddy bear with, from left: Elsie Roberts, Calleigh Hird, Trinity Benford, Paul Jacques, Sienna Smart, Lola Wilbur, and Archie Crump Picture: Malcolm Wells (180226-5623)

PUPILS at a city school have united for a fundraising mission as their headteacher gears up to sleep rough.

Medina Primary School boss Howard Payne will join scores of business leaders across Portsmouth for the Pompey CEO Sleepout on April 16.

The initiative will see prominent figures from across The News region spend a sponsored night outside at Fratton Park, raising money for three causes fighting homelessness.

In a bid to get his pupils involved in raising cash for the drive’s beneficiaries – Pompey in the Community, the Society of St James and the national CEO Sleepout – Mr Payne turned to his school council.

He said: ‘The children are all very excited about the idea of me getting tucked into my sleeping bag for the big event.

‘But I wanted to turn what I’m doing into a school-wide effort and get the kids on board, thinking about the issue of homelessness across Portsmouth and the UK. After a visit from a representative from the Society of St James, they’ve now come up with some brilliant ideas of how they can help – all on their own accord.

‘I’m extremely proud of their involvement.’

Youngsters at Medina have pencilled in a trio of fundraising activities ahead of the Pompey CEO Sleepout – including a sponsored sleepover at school and a movie night.

The other, a bring and buy event, will see them sell their unwanted toys and possessions in a school sale.

Passionate about the issue of homelessness and Mr Payne’s bid to help alleviate it, Triniti Benford, 11, said: ‘By the school coming together more money can be raised to help more people find a bed for the night.’

Calleigh Hird, who is nine, added: ‘In the 21st century there shouldn’t be anyone sleeping in doorways.

‘It is better to give the homeless a hot drink, a hot pie and a warm jumper rather than money.

‘The money raised from this event will go to the organisations who can really help them.’

When he beds down at Fratton Park in April, Mr Payne will join editor of The News, Mark Waldron, leader of Portsmouth City Council Donna Jones and Portsmouth Football Club CEO Mark Catlin, among others.

Reflecting on the issue of homelessness and his excitement to get involved in the Pompey CEO Sleepout, Mr Payne said: ‘Homelessness is a massive problem, not just in Portsmouth but across the country.

‘I realise I won’t be changing the world by sleeping out for one night, but what I will be able to do is raise awareness of and money to fight the issue as best I can.

‘I’m overjoyed the children could play a part in that.’

n If you would like to learn more or sign up to the Pompey CEO Sleepout, visit ceosleepoutuk.com/portsmouth/