Scouts from all over Luton have raised £3550 for NOAH a town-based homeless charity. The final cheque for £5187, including donations from The Mall, Arndale, was presented to Chief Executive Jim O’Connor on Monday night by members of the youth organisation. The money was contributed as part of a sponsored sleepover at The Mall.

Jim O’Connor heard how the Scouts had spent a night sleeping out in the centre to experience at first hand what it was like to be homeless. Cub Scout John Kerr said, “We had games to play and a meal of hot dogs and drinks but it was hard to sleep. I don’t think I’d like to be homeless.”

The Mall general manager Brian McFarland said, “We enjoyed having you. You were all so well behaved.” He added, “NOAH has been our adopted charity for the year and it’s so good to see the town’s young people taking an interest.” District Commissioner Kam Patel who organised the event said, “It was a very worthwhile experience and one we’ll have to do again.”

Over 100 Scouts and Guides took part in the sponsored sleepover. Presenting the cheque on behalf of the Scouts were Keelan Pannell (11), John Kerr (8), Sean Tunney (7) and Tadhgh Rankin (6) from St Joseph’s Scout Group. Group Scout Leader Mary Maybury admitted that she is a secret helper for the charity. She said, “I pop in to the centre to help with their laundry. And we also donate food for them. I think they look forward to our visits.”

Jim O’Connor said, “The Scouts have made an enormous contribution to our work. One of our successes is Gary a young alcoholic. He was a six stone invalid when we met him and was hardly able to walk. We arranged hospital and dental treatment, nursed him back to health and provided training and social care. Now he has worthwhile skills and a job. He is just one of the 500 people we give fresh confidence to every year.” Jim added, “It’s thanks to the Scouts’ efforts that we can help make a difference to the lives of so many people.”

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