Former drug user to spend three days in a bathtub on Leeds City Square to transform lives

A man with past experience of drug addiction and prison will be spending up to three days trapped in a bathtub on City Square in Leeds city centre.

Chris Sylvester, founder of Leeds-based social enterprise Getting Clean is doing this as part of a fundraising campaign to help others break free of addiction and homelessness.

Chris will take on the ambitious "TUBTrap" challenge starting on Friday, August 7, trying to raise £50,000 through soap sales and public support, helping fund vital services for people rebuilding their lives in recovery.

The campaign shines a spotlight on the experience of feeling trapped in cycles of addiction, crime and homelessness, while demonstrating the transformative impact of recovery, employment and community support. Having experienced these challenges himself, Chris is using his personal journey to encourage understanding and raise funds for support services that help people move forward.

Chris said: "I’m not getting out of this tub until we hit our target. I know what it feels like to be trapped. Addiction leaves people feeling hopeless and unable to see a way out. Recovery changed my life. This challenge is about raising awareness, creating opportunities and helping others access the support they need to get clean and stay clean."

Every purchase made during the campaign will contribute towards Getting Clean’s £50,000 sales goal. Donation levels will increase as sales targets are met, culminating in a £20,000 donation to the Forward Leeds, if the full target is achieved.

Forward Leeds director, Helen Cook, said: “Chris's challenge is a powerful reminder that recovery is about breaking free from situations that can leave people feeling trapped. By working together, we can help more people take those first steps towards recovery and create lasting change for people, their families and communities across Leeds.

“The money Chris raises won’t be used within our service. We intend to use the money raised by Chris to support lived-experience recovery support projects in the city.”

Getting Clean employs people in recovery to make and sell natural soap, creating employment opportunities and pathways to long-term recovery. The organisation also pledges to donate 50% of its company profits to supporting people affected by addiction.

During the event, businesses and members of the public will be encouraged to support the campaign by purchasing soap products, placing corporate orders, or taking part in a "pay it forward" initiative. This scheme allows supporters to purchase a First Day Pack for someone leaving prison or entering treatment, providing essential items such as soap, a toothbrush and peer-support resources at a critical point in their recovery journey.

Supporters can follow the challenge, purchase products, or contribute to the fundraising effort through Getting Clean’s social media channel. Businesses interested in bulk orders, corporate gifting or pay-it-forward sponsorship opportunities can contact: [email protected]