Swale Heating commercial contract manager Matt Hobbs braved the cold to spend the night in a cardboard box to help raise funds for Kent-based homeless charity Emmaus and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Emmaus Charity is located across the country although it is probably more well known to local people as St Martin's Emmaus in Dover.

The charity offer homeless people a home, work and the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment. There are currently 22 Communities around the UK.

Matt was one of around 92 people who slept in cardboard boxes outside the MHS Homes offices in Chatham Dockside to coincide with National Homelessness Day.

Matt said: “I built my home for the night using materials that could be found on the streets, like boxes and bits of plastic wrapping. Unfortunately the rain started but this was nothing compared to what the homeless have to endure every night. I was feeling cold and wet but determined.

“The mood was upbeat with a sense of companionship. My 11-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son joined me for an hour.

“Finally I got into my box at midnight and wrapped myself up for the night. It was a great opportunity for me to raise money for charity and to experience the hardship of homelessness. The things we take for granted are so absent when you’re all alone and feeling so vulnerable,” added Matt, who has so far raised over £600 from workmates, family and friends.

The organisers hope to raise around £11,000 from the event.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012