Leeds residents challenged to find the most uncomfortable place to sleep at home for Covid safe Big Sleep 2021

In pre-Covid times, the Big Sleep would encourage people to set up sleeping bags on the street or in parks in order to raise awareness of homeless issues and raise money for charities which help rough sleepers, such as St George's Crypt and St Gemma's Hospice.

But this year, of course, the event can't allow people to kip in the outside world due to Covid restrictions. So the organisers have come together to create an event which you can participate in from the (dis)comfort of your own home.

Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George's Crypt and St Gemma's Hospice are working together to raise money for those most in need in Leeds - by getting people to sleep in awkward and unusual places at home or within the confines of their support bubble.

The Leeds Big Sleep, now in its 4th year, has raised over £100,000 since 2018.

A spokesman for the Leeds Big Sleep said: "This year the Big Sleep may not involve sleeping out this year due to the current pandemic but you can still support the valuable work that these charities do by sleeping in instead!

"On Friday 5th February we challenge you to find the most uncomfortable, unusual, odd place you can imagine and you can do this alone or with your family or support bubble, in your home, your garden, your shed, it's your choice!

"Please share and tag your photos #leedsbigsleep of your sleeping place on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @leedsbigsleep.

"Virtual entertainment will be broadcast throughout the evening which you can join in, watch and enjoy whilst you prepare to sleep in and raise vital funds for these three amazing charities.

"Anyone can take part: family, friends, work colleagues - as long as you follow current Covid-19 restrictions."

To register, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayEventDetails.action?eventId=35815 and click 'start fundraising'.

Anyone taking part has to donate at least £5 and will be automatically eligible for a place in the real sleepout back in The Outside World in November 2021.