January 31, 2011 9.47 am This story is over 157 months old

Bishop “sleeps easy” outside cathedral

Sleeping rough: The Bishop of Lincoln slept rough before he retired to remember those without homes.

A retiring Bishop of Lincoln has managed to sleep in the open air outside Lincoln Cathedral for charity event Sleep Easy.

Reverend John Saxbee spent the night on the East Green of Lincoln Cathedral alongside Lincoln MP Karl McCartney and 70 other participants.

The event in Lincoln was held in aid of raising money for charities such as the Community Larder, St Mary’s Church, New-life Church and Lincolnshire YMCA.

Sleep Easy is a national event, with many towns and cities taking part to raise funds for the homeless.

During his night, Bishop John managed to raise £165, £65 over his original target.

Bishop John will be retiring on January 31, and is pleased he had the chance to raise money on his last day in office.

He said: “A roof over your head is a basic necessity, and as Christians, we should always be at pains to ensure that our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves have somewhere to call home.

“And I’m very happy to have done this, to help those for whom sleeping on the streets is the norm.”

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said: “All the money raised will go directly to local YMCA projects, helping to tackle homelessness, and provide family support, health and fitness and education and skills to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our City.

“I am always willing to help the YMCA in any way I can with its hugely important work.”

You can still sponsor Bishop John and Sleep Easy by donating on his official fundraising page.

Source: Diocese of Lincoln | Photo: YMCA England