The Messenger's charity of the year is calling on fundraisers to sleep rough for one night in Central Park, Dartford, to support homeless young people.

YMCA Thames Gateway's event will see participants give up their beds tonight (Friday) to raise money and awareness of the increasing issue of youth homelessness.

It takes place under the stars at Central Park, Dartford 7pm.

To help give people some shelter from the elements, Safestore Orpington is donating cardboard boxes.

Store manager Adam is also taking part. Homelessness is an issue close to his heart because his dad found himself street homeless when Adam was in his teens.

Following a family breakdown, Adam and his older brother continued to live at the family home with their father.

But the following year his dad developed addiction problems and Adam then moved in with his mum. Adam was 13 at the time and didn’t see his dad for six years.

His dad lived on the streets for more than four years. Fortunately he was offered a safe place to stay at a local YMCA and it was the lifeline he needed to turn his life around.

Speaking about his father’s experience, Adam said: "It is the simple things that make the difference when you are homeless. When you have no abode then you are merely surviving.

"The YMCA gave my dad a room, shower and a kettle – these little things bring back a sense of responsibility and self-worth which are priceless when you live on a street with no such amenities.

"The YMCA was also fundamental in helping to guide to other organisations to assist with the addiction problems my dad faced.

"Which I hasten to add are only heightened and increased when you live on the street – they ease the mind but destroy the soul.

"Without the YMCA and the work they do I may have lost my father forever."

"The YMCA provided me with a happy ending. I am happy to say my father is now recovered.

"We have a good relationship and without the YMCA and the work they do I may have lost my father forever."

Speaking about the sleep out, Adam said: "I am happy to support this worthwhile cause; no amount I raise will ever give back what has already been given to me by YMCA."

Could you join Adam and sleep rough for one night? Sign up www.ymcatg.org or email sleepeasy@ymcatg.org. To sponsor Adam, visit bit.ly/2HU8p4z

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