Marylouise Press, a partner with Alexander Reid and Frazer Estate Agents in Downpatrick, is to sleep out in aid of the homeless.
Marylouise is a regional board member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) now called Propertymark, and the homeless is their elected charity for this year.
Making last minute preparations before her flight tomorrow (Thursday 21st November) to London for the sleep out in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Mary Lou explained: “This is the first time I have done this for the homeless. It will be quite daunting especially as the weather forecast is very cold and wet.
“It will give me an insight into what life is like for the homeless across the country especially for the 16-25-year olds. It is frightening that 103,000 young people had to sleep rough over the past year. This is really a social emergency.
“The funds that the NAEA will raise goes towards a homeless support support organisation called Centrepoint. They have an 86% success rate in rehabilitating people through health recovery and into a pathway to employment.
“I’m sure this experience will be outside my comfort zone but I’m looking forward to it. But I can’t really imagine how difficult it is for the homeless people across the country to be sleeping rough night after night in all weathers. I’ll be returning on Friday again but I am sure this experience will be something I won’t forget.”
Marylouise added: “The fundraising target for Propertymark is £47,000 and I think we should achieve this alright. It will make a huge difference to many homeless people sleeping rough on our streets.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has donated so far. My initial target was £400. The many people supporting me have donated an amazing £2300 to date and I’m sure there will be more to come in. It is all for a very just cause for the homeless.
So, if you would like to donate to my just giving page which is quite easy to do, I would be very grateful. A sum of £10 can keep someone off the streets for a week. Every donation online to Just Giving helps and the more the merrier!“
