LATE night visitors to Hereford might have had a surprise while walking down Bridge Street in May, as a well-known estate agent shivered under blankets in his office doorway.

75-year-old Bill Jackson took the decision to sleep rough for two nights in a bid to raise funds and awareness for Herefordshire charity, The Cart Shed. Here is his experience:

Bridge Street, 2am. It’s wet, cold and uncomfortable. My dog growls at strange, moving shadows; we’re both too frightened to sleep. Ghost Whisperers pass by delivering packages.

The pubs are long closed, cheery voices have evaporated. I am alone, propped up in the doorway of our estate agency. I finally doze off at 4am only to be woken by Lily, my spaniel growling at an approaching figure who has us in his sights. It’s my son coming to make sure I am OK. It’s 5.15am. Cold and stiff, I retreat to the warmth of the office, a refreshing cup of tea thankful the night is over.

I am used to sleeping outside. During my time in the army, I experienced many uncomfortable nights under canvas. I’d even slept out with SHYPP (Supported Housing for Young People’s Project) – that was an experience, but we did it together, as a group.

This was a personal project to support The Cart Shed’s Big Sleep in fundraising campaign. I wanted to see what it was like to sleep out at night and work all day. I had intended to do it for a week, but after one night, chose to do just one more.

The second night was even worse: torrential rain all night. I used the Cart Shed’s promotional banners and a Jackson’s Property umbrella for shelter. The Left Bank’s Thursday Students night kept me entertained until 11.30pm. Then I had to get myself comfortable, which, with the cold hard concrete of the pavement beneath you, is difficult. My alarm clock on Friday was the screech from nesting seagulls on the rooftops overhead. Once again, I worked all day.

I have learned there are many people, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves homeless, who are sofa surfers; who sleep in their cars and get into the office early to freshen up and then try to work all day, who find a shop doorway and try to make it through the night. Sometimes it’s because of drugs or alcohol, often it’s because of family or relationship break down, it’s rarely, if ever, a choice.

For years I have been a member of the International Property Federation, who help countries who have difficulty with housing to build safe and secure accommodation, with fresh water, with space to grow food and that has safe sanitation. We need the same principals here. A key factor is that we must provide secure, fairly paid work so people can pay taxes and bring children up in a safe environment.

Early on in the pandemic street homeless were housed in hotels, but what now? Where do we go from here? I believe everyone should and can help – it doesn’t have to be financial help, and local authorities don’t have the resources to tackle all our problems.

And there’s another challenge. Hostels or other safe housing won’t accept dogs. As I found out, my dog was my best friend, my guardian, my warmth and my security. If I were going to be housed, I would only do it if my best friend could come too. I would not wish homelessness on my worst enemy.

To all those who supported me and made donations to The Cart Shed Charity, thank you.