Chelsea supporters around the world taking part in 'virtual sleepout' to raise thousands for local charity

The Big Stamford Bridge Sleepout is happening virtually this year because of coronavirus restrictions

The Stamford Bridge Sleepout last year at Stamford Bridge
Author: Helen HoddinottPublished 27th Mar 2021

Dozens of Chelsea fans will be ditching their beds tonight - to raise money for Stoll - a local charity supporting homeless veterans.

The event - which is organised by Chelsea Supports Trust - first took place last year, when the group was sponsored thousands of pounds to spend the night on the concourse at Stamford Bridge.

Because of coronavirus restrictions it's taking place virtually this year, which has meant fans around the world are able to get involved, too.

"Some of the countries have been amazing, from Bahrain, Brazil, Hong Kong, India," says long-time Chelsea supporter Mark Meehan - who's taking part tonight by sleeping in his shed.

"We look forward to them logging-on on Twitter and showing where they are worldwide."

The only rule is that people taking part don't sleep in their own beds tonight: "They can do it in their front room at home, they can do it on their kitchen floor, in their garden, their garage," says Mark.

The event last year was a success, with nearly £30,000 raised for charities. Ronnie Wood even showed up to wish them luck.

This year, all sponsorship money will go to Stoll - you can get involved by donating here.

Mark says the event last year made them appreciate even more the work the charity does: "We're lucky, we could come home the following night. Just to do that one night outside will never replicate the experiences that rough sleepers have to go through, but it did give us an insight just for one evening, how really cold and how difficult it is."