Community-minded Chelsea FC fans slept out under the East Stand of Stamford Bridge to raise money for two charities with deep roots in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Forty hardy souls bedded down on the cold concrete of the walkway for the seventh annual Big Sleep Out on Saturday 28th March in support of Disabled veterans and end homelessness.
The event was organised by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to support The Stoll Foundation and the Barons Court Project.
After a tour of the Chelsea Museum, they lay down in sleeping bags on sheets of cardboard, with the stadium lights turned out at 11pm. The football club organised hot breakfasts the following morning.
Former players including Tore Andre Flo, Dave Beasant, John Bumstead, Carlo Cudicini, Jason Cundy, Kerry Dixon, Graeme Le Saux, Gus Poyet and Clive Walker sent videos of support, which were beamed to the participants on stadium screens.
Ex-Blues defender Gary Chivers joined in the overnight event – and won the top raffle prize of a signed team shirt.
In London a record 13,231 people were recorded as sleeping rough in 2024/25, a 10% increase on the 11,993 the previous year.
Mark Meehan, who chairs the supporters’ trust and conceived the idea, said: ‘‘Thanks to everyone who slept out. With donations still coming in, we have raised £16,000 to date for both charities.
‘‘It shows the amazing things Chelsea supporters can do when they gather together to help make a difference.’’
How will the sponsorship money be spent?
At the Barons Court project in Talgarth Road, W14 – part-funded by H&F Council – £5 pays for a meal and hot shower.
At Stoll – the charitable safety net for 500 ex-servicemen in Fulham Road next to the stadium – £10 provides an hour of essential one-to-one support for a vulnerable veteran.