This year’s event saw around 250 participants who gave up their home comforts for one night to show solidarity with those facing homelessness and hardship across Wolverhampton.

The event opened with a series of inspiring speeches delivered by representatives from Good Shepherd and Wolves Foundation, alongside Good Shepherd Ambassador Jaki Graham, Beverley Knight, Wolves Foundation Ambassador Mitch Lane, Wolves Women team manager Dan McNamara, Wolves Women legend Claire Hakeman, Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss, and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood. They were joined by individuals who have been supported by the charities. The speeches were hosted by Sky Sports reporter and broadcaster Johnny Phillips.

Among the participants bedding down for the night in the Stan Cullis stand, was Wolverhampton singing legend Beverley Knight, who was joined by her husband James for the event. 

She said: “I couldn’t be more proud to stand as one of the many people who are here tonight, with 250 people here who are braving the weather to not only foster a community spirit among themselves, but also to raise funds for the homeless via the Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd.”

Linda Cooper from Wolverhampton who was sleeping out for the second time on her own said: 

“The reason why I’m here is to give a bit back to people who are less fortunate than me. I’ve got a nice (usually) warm bed to sleep in, and lots of people in the city where I’m from haven’t. So, it’s to show my appreciation of all the services like Good Shepherd because you do a fantastic job.”

TP Squared, a local branding agency who were sleeping out said: 

“We’re taking part in the Molineux Sleepout to support the Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd. We’re all about community, so we try where possible to be impactful, not just in our work as an agency, but within the community where we work. So, taking part was a no-brainer to try and raise as much funds as possible for some great organisations.”

Early figures indicate that the event has raised approaching £50,000, with donations still coming in. These funds will go directly towards projects tackling homelessness, poverty, and social disadvantage in the local community.

Will Clowes, Head of Wolves Foundation, said:

“It was another incredible Molineux Sleepout and we continue to be blown away by the support we receive. Our seventh Sleepout brought a record breaking attendance and means we’ve now gone past 1000 participants taking part over the last seven years. Thanks again to all who braved the elements as well as those who made a donation to support work having a real impact in our city.”

Tom Hayden, CEO of the Good Shepherd added:

“We remain extremely grateful to be involved in the Sleepout are incredibly thankful to everyone who took part, whether in the Stan Cullis Stand or virtually. Your support ensures we can continue delivering life-changing initiatives across Wolverhampton.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Molineux Sleepout has raised more than £250,000, funding projects that support vulnerable individuals across the city.

A huge thank you to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible. Fundraising pages remain open for anyone wishing to contribute: https://wolvesfoundation.enthuse.com/cf/molineux-sleepout-2025