Funeral Partners Chief Executive Sam Kershaw braved a cold, wet February night to support Centrepoint, the charity working to end youth homelessness.
On 6 February, Sam joined around 150 supporters at Somerset House in central London for the charity’s Sleep Out, contributing to Centrepoint’s £118,000 fundraising target. The charity estimates that more than 118,000 young people face homelessness each year.
Sam’s decision to take part was shaped by two personal experiences in 2025, when he helped a man in his 30s and a young mother fleeing an abusive relationship — both suddenly without a safe place to stay.
“The reality of having nowhere is incredibly daunting,” Sam said. “From not being able to charge a phone to having no means of washing, storing clothes or even accessing a toilet, every part of daily life becomes a challenge. Seeing this first-hand made me determined to do something to help.”
The Sleep Out wasn’t designed to replicate rough sleeping, but it offered space for reflection, discussion and powerful stories from those affected by homelessness.
Sam joked that he’s “not fit enough to run a marathon and too ‘chicken’ to attempt a skydive,” so he chose a challenge he could manage — sleeping outdoors for a night. He finished with little more than a stiff neck, but with a renewed appreciation for Centrepoint’s work.
With support from colleagues, friends and family, Sam raised nearly £2,000 for the charity. Donations can still be made via Centrepoint’s website.
