Two schoolboys braved the winter chill to sleep over in their local church in support of young people in Africa.
Brothers Henry (14) and Dylan (11) Spencer slept at St Paul’s, West Pelton, to raise awareness of the Congo Children Trust, which supports street children and young women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was also a fundraising mission for the charity, which has raised £485 plus gift aid for the charity so far.
Henry and Dylan are the sons of Simon Spencer, who is curate at St Paul’s, and also at Holy Trinity, Pelton.
The brothers’ online fundraising page is still active and their mum Rachel Spencer said the mission had yielded messages of support from as far afield as Africa and America.
“It has been a great adventure,” said Rachel. “It’s not the first time they have done something like this and each time, they choose a different charity that they feel strongly about.
“Henry and Dylan chose the Congo Children Trust because I have supported it myself in the past, and they have been impressed with its excellent work, which includes helping young women to learn a trade, such as sewing, which they can use to support themselves.”
Rachel said that many of the street children supported by the trust work in lithium mines and face an uncertain future. The organisation seeks to protect, nurture, educate and empower these vulnerable young people.
Rachel joined her sons for the sleepover, which took place on a cold winter's night.
She added: “There was a good area at the back of the church for our sleeping bags, but we certainly needed a few blankets. We are very grateful to everyone who has donated so far and taken a keen interest in the work of the charity.”
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