Braving the cold, 14 members of the Essex team took part in a charity sleepout in Colchester’s Castle Park on Saturday night for their charity of the year, Beacon House.

The business has pledged to raise funds throughout the year for the homeless charity and have already reached the £3,000 mark thanks to the sleepout.

Members from legal, planning, customer care and construction all volunteered to take part, experiencing some of the conditions those living on the streets of Colchester do daily.

Jen Whyton, PA to Managing Director Richard Hush, joined the group and said: “It was a real team effort with representatives from each department giving up their comfy beds for the night to camp out.

“As darkness drew in we really noticed the drop in temperature and it gave me a whole new wave of empathy for those who face this night in, night out. We really felt the cold throughout the night, and it was hard to imagine how people cope in the harsh winter months.”

The business continues to raise funds with cake sales, online bingo sessions, weekly dress down days and a family day coming later this year.

Richard Hush added: “I want to thank everyone who took part, giving up their weekend to support such a worthy cause and really boost our fundraising for Beacon House. I also want to thank everyone who has donated, every penny will go to improving the lives of those in need in Colchester.”

You can still donate to the fund here Fundraiser by Jen Whyton : Sponsored Sleep Out for Beacon House