A RECORD number of people of all ages slept out in the cold and rain in solidarity with Swindon’s homeless population.

The annual Big Sleepout, organised by the homeless charity Threshold Housing Link, saw almost double the number of people nestle into their sleeping bags for the night outside the Immanuel United Reformed Church on Upham Road.

Around 105 hardy souls braved the December cold, with the event attracting hardened regulars like 87-year-old sister Mary Mulkeen, a Catholic nun from Swindon, as well as families and children as young as six.

The fundraising and sponsorship for those taking part raised more than £15,388 for the charity, enabling it to continue its vital outreach work around the town.

Business manager at Threshold Michael Keenan said: “It was really phenomenal. It was just amazing to see the strength of Swindon’s community spirit, so strong, stalwart and absolutely selfless. I’m elated and so pleased.

“We’re very thankful to the church and grateful to all the Swindon community that came and joined us in a really strong solidarity in the cold and wet, and it was really windy.

“At The Big Sleepout for one night only we place ourselves in the shoes of those that are street homeless and we join them in solidarity

“I can’t begin to imagine the horrors of being so exposed and having to be sleeping rough in the winter weather throughout the year.”

The event saw its first temporary tented city established for the night.

Some taking part chose to experience the extreme cold of sleeping on the ground.

Pradeep Bhardwaj, from the Swindon Hindu temple, said: “A great effort and memorable experienced for everyone, all for a very good cause. It was fantastic to see so many people take part, young and old, from diverse backgrounds, with such great pride and compassion, with unwavering determination to show that they care.

“A big thank you to everyone at Threshold for putting such a monumental effort with a warm heart and big smile.”

After a night in the cold those taking part could choose from full English breakfast cooked by Threshold volunteers or a Domino’s Pizza, delivered for free from the Old Town branch.

Jemma Kay Hilden added: “I had a fab experience first hand at the big sleep out. It was a pleasure to fundraise for such a positively impactful charity and to see the work they do.

“I look to further support this charity where homelessness is a growing issue affecting people from all walks of life.

“My children were able to participate which was a great learning experience for them. We're very grateful!”