Manchester United are once again holding their charity sleepout at Old Trafford in an effort to raise money for vulnerable young people and Greater Manchester’s homeless community.
This being just the second year the stadium sleepout has ever been held at the Theatre of Dreams, the aim of the charity sleepout is to raise awareness surrounding rough sleeping in and around Manchester, especially amongst the younger people in or on the verge of homelessness.
The crucial fundraising event will encourage supporters to swap their beds for a sleeping bag for the night and camp out within the club’s home ground, this time sleeping not only under the stars but in the actual stands at Old Trafford.
In a rare opportunity, fans will have the chance to try and get some kip whilst overlooking the iconic pitch in a bid to come together and raise funds for both the Manchester United Foundation and youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint. You can see clips of how last year’s stadium sleepout went below:
Last year’s Old Trafford sleepout evoked some heartwarming scenes.
In 2022, more than 60 Man United fans, along with various other individuals from in and around the club as well as local charities, piled into the Munich Tunnel to be part of the first-ever Old Trafford sleepout in testing temperatures to experience what it’s like to sleep on the streets.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bringing their sleeping bags, blankets, flasks of hot tea and snacks to share with other compassionate Reds taking part, the group managed to raise over £20,000 for the United Foundation and Centrepoint — vital funds needed to help support an estimated 121,000 young people who asked for help in the face of homelessness last year alone.
While the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is doing plenty of crucial work to combat youth homelessness and rough sleeping in general across the 10 boroughs, it goes without saying that money like this could drastically change the circumstances of so many people for the better.
ADVERTISEMENT
If, like it did so many others last year, this deeply moving cause stirs you enough to consider taking part, registration is £30 per person and all participants are being asked to pledge a minimum of £250 to support those in need, but of course it’s the taking part that counts. You can register your interest HERE.
The Foundation‘s long-serving CEO, John Shiels, said of the second event: “This year’s sleep out comes the added incentive of fans being able to bed down under the night sky in the stands at Old Trafford, albeit in freezing conditions as we show solidarity with young people facing hardship in the winter months.
“The Foundation operates in some of the areas of highest social deprivation in Greater Manchester, so sadly we know the extent of the challenges our participants face and how important it is we continue to support them through our work, particularly during winter.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Last year’s sleep out harnessed the togetherness of our communities, and building on that, I am confident that we can raise more vital funds and awareness to help vulnerable young people in Greater Manchester with the support of Manchester United’s incredible fanbase.”
Homelessness always feels more prevalent as we enter the colder months but, of course, it remains a deeply pressing social issue all year round both in our local communities and across the UK. We’re proud to know that people in and around our city are always doing their bit to help make a difference.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
31st October 2023 
