Chelsea Supporters Raise £15,000 for Veterans and Homeless People
40 fans stay overnight at Stamford Bridge for seventh annual Big Sleep Out
The group who took part in the overnight fundraiser
April 13, 2026
Forty Chelsea supporters swapped the comfort of their beds for the cold concrete of Stamford Bridge as they took part in this year’s Big Sleep Out, raising money for two charities supporting disabled veterans and people experiencing homelessness in Hammersmith & Fulham.
The overnight fundraiser, held on Saturday 28 March beneath the East Stand, marked the seventh edition of the event organised by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust. Participants began the evening with a tour of the Chelsea Museum before settling down in sleeping bags on sheets of cardboard. The stadium lights were switched off at 11pm, and the club provided hot breakfasts the following morning.
The Big Sleep Out supports two long-established local charities: The Stoll Foundation, which provides housing and support for around 500 ex-servicemen and women next to the stadium on Fulham Road, and the Barons Court Project in Talgarth Road, which offers meals, showers and practical help to people who are homeless or living with mental health difficulties.
Former Chelsea players including Tore André Flo, Dave Beasant, John Bumstead, Carlo Cudicini, Jason Cundy, Kerry Dixon, Graeme Le Saux, Gus Poyet and Clive Walker sent video messages of encouragement, broadcast on the stadium screens during the night. Ex-defender Gary Chivers joined the sleep-out in person and walked away with the top raffle prize: a signed team shirt.
The supporters’ trust set a £40,000 fundraising target for this year’s event. With donations still coming in, £15,000 has already been raised.
Mark Meehan, chair of the trust and the originator of the Big Sleep Out, said the response showed the strength of the club’s community spirit. “Thanks to everyone who slept out. With donations still coming in, we have raised £16,000 to date for both charities. It shows the amazing things Chelsea supporters can do when they gather together to help make a difference.”
The need for support remains acute. Across London, 13,231 people were recorded sleeping rough in 2024/25 — a 10% rise on the previous year.
Michael Angus of the Barons Court Project (right) turns up to thank the fundraisers
At the Barons Court Project, a £5 donation pays for a hot meal and shower. At Stoll, £10 provides an hour of one-to-one support for a vulnerable veteran.
Donations to the Big Sleep Out remain open for anyone wishing to contribute.
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