SLEEPING bags, hot water bottles and even onesies are just some of the items to be found in the offices of two South Lakeland companies as they gear up to take part in an outdoor fundraising event which aims to keep elderly Cumbrian residents warm in winter.

Sue Coulson and Janet Gillespie of Windermere based Coulson Associates and Janett Walker of Progression Solicitors Ulverston, Windermere and Grange, are preparing to sleep out on Saturday 30 January 2016 as part of The Big Sleep, an annual event that raises funds for the Winter Warmth Appeal.

Sue, a director of Coulson Associatates, said: “As a business we have been fortunate to support some fantastic charities and fundraising activities over the last few years. We are kicking off our twenty-sixteen charitable events with The Big Sleep and are looking forward to wrapping up warm before bedding down to raise as much money as possible for a very worthy cause”.

The Big Sleep is organised by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The event takes place on Saturday, January 30,at The Low Wood Bay Hotel. Now in its fourth year, the Winter Warmth Appeal has literally saved lives. The Appeal keeps older, colder Cumbrians safe and warm.

Funds raised are distributed to older people who are in danger because they cannot afford to heat their homes and are made to choose between heating and eating.