SLEEPING ‘rough’ for a night was a “humbling experience” for two Borders women, they say.

Karen Redpath and Fiona Howie, both of Galashiels, braved the cold winter weather on Saturday, January 13 for homelessness charity Steps to Hope and slept on the town’s streets.

The two women told this newspaper that the whole experience was “eye-opening”.

“It was quite enlightening,” Karen said.

“A lot of people stopped to speak to us.

“Some people crossed the road to avoid eye contact with us.

“I think homeless people will experience that quite a lot.”

Fiona added: “It was surprising how we were treated by members of the public.

“I found it quite humbling.”

Peeblesshire News:

Overall Karen and Fiona said their experience during the sleep out was a positive one.

Not only did they receive donations on the night, but they were also helped by businesses in the town.

Tesco let the women sit outside their entrance to fundraise and McDonald’s provided them with free coffee and food as the night wore on.

The pair were also checked up on by local police officers.

And although grateful for the support, both Karen and Fiona were conscious that real homeless people don’t always receive the same help.

Fiona said: “People do not choose to be homeless.

“Homeless people sleep where it is safe, but get moved on.

“We were lucky as we got [police] permission.”

Karen added: “McDonald’s offered us coffee and food straight away.

“I don’t think the homeless experience that.”

Before setting out on their sleep out challenge the friends had set themselves an initial target of £100.

However, they soon had to increase their target regularly as donations came pouring in.

At the time of publication Karen and Fiona had raised £3,115 for Steps to Hope.

“The amount raised has totally overwhelmed us,” Karen said.

Karen extended her thanks to Fiona for joining her, Tesco, McDonald’s, local police, all donators including those who donated anonymously, Steps to Hope and the charity’s founder Richard – who is completing an eight-week sleep out challenge – for his inspiration, friends, family, customers, and everyone who shared their Just Giving link.

The link is still actively taking donations for Steps to Hope: www.justgiving.com/page/karen-redpath-1704743230190