Blog by Mary Reidy, Team Assistant at Prologis UK: 

Last week, I swapped my warm bed for a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard on a cold concrete floor. Why? To take part in the LandAid SleepOut — an annual event that raises vital funds to support young people facing homelessness.

When I first signed up, I was both excited and apprehensive. The idea of spending a night outside, exposed to the elements, was daunting. I knew it would be cold and uncomfortable, but that was exactly the point — to get just a glimpse of the harsh reality so many young people endure every night.

As the evening approached, I ramped up my fundraising efforts, reaching out to colleagues, friends, and family to support the cause. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of those who donated, each contribution a reminder of why we were doing this. LandAid’s work provides accommodation and support to young people, giving them a safe space to rebuild their lives, and I was proud to play a small part in helping to make that happen.

On the night of the SleepOut, I arrived with my Prologis colleagues, all wrapped up in as many layers as possible. Despite the serious cause behind the event, there was a real sense of camaraderie among the participants. We shared stories, sipped hot drinks, played games and kept each other’s spirits up as we settled in for the night.

But as the hours wore on, the reality of sleeping rough set in. The hard ground, the biting wind, the background noise of the city—it all made for a restless night. I barely slept, and by morning, I felt groggy and exhausted. Yet, I knew I had the privilege of returning to a warm home, a luxury that isn’t available to the thousands of young people experiencing homelessness in the UK.

Taking part in the SleepOut was a humbling experience. It reinforced the importance of the work that LandAid does and the urgent need to support those without a safe place to call home. I’m incredibly grateful for all the donations and encouragement I received, and I hope our collective efforts will help make a difference.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Because one uncomfortable night for me is nothing compared to the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness every day.

If you’d like to support this fantastic cause, please consider donating to LandAid. Every contribution helps provide a brighter future for vulnerable young people.

You can still contribute to Mary’s fundraising here : https://join.landaid.org/fundraisers/MaryReidy/sleepout