KIND and hardy volunteers from all faiths and backgrounds are being sought to sleep outdoors for a night to raise funds for the Stroud-based homeless charity Marah.

The Christian organisation is hosting its annual Cardboard City fundraising event where it invites supporters and members of the public to experience what life is like for those forced to sleep out on the streets.

Held in the grounds of St Laurence Church in Stroud, the event aims to raise awareness of homelessness and the work Marah does with vulnerable and socially excluded people in the district.

In previous years, both former MP David Drew and Stroud’s current representative in Parliament Neil Carmichael have taken part.

This year the event is being held on Friday, March 7. On the night, there will be a special service at St Laurence Church from 9pm until 9.30pm followed by an all-night prayer vigil organised by local churches.

“Marah is proud to announce the return of our Cardboard City fundraising event. We are asking people to sleep outdoors with us for one night and to ask others to sponsor them to do so,” said a charity spokesman.

“We welcome any support that you may be able to give: whether sleeping out with us, sponsoring someone, making a donation or spreading the word about the event.”

For full details of the event – including the application form – visit: www.marah.org.uk