Stand By Me is on a mission to help the poorest communities across the world. Over the past 25 years they’ve helped to rescue over 10,000 children from poverty, reaching children as far as Colombia to Kenya and providing them with food, healthcare and an education.

Stand By Me believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep so they’re inviting Brits to take part in their fundraising event- February on the Floor.

Participants are challenged to spend a week in February sleeping on the floor and they’re also being encouraged to get their family or a group involved too.

Every £140 raised from sponsorships can enable a bed to be gifted to a child that has no other choice but to sleep on the cold floor. Funds raised really will make a massive difference to Stand By Me’s children as it will allow them to have a warm and comfortable night’s sleep, leaving them well-rested for the school day.

Santiago shared: “My before bed was old, it was bare, the paint was barely visible and the mattress was already very thin, I could feel the wooden slats on my ribs. The bed that Stand by Me gave me, I really like it. I loved the colour blue; also, the mattress is very soft and the pillow is very soft and warm to sleep comfortably. My before pillow was old and it had rags inside and that’s why it wasn’t comfortable.”

Stand By Me helps countless children to go on to pursue higher education and escape from poverty. Two examples are Romanian students Ilonela and Iulianawho have studied Biomechanical Engineering and Law.

Another, Lidiya, has gone on to practise as an accountant in Ethiopia and Kabin has used his savings to build a well in his home village.

Stand By Me’s CEO, Ahmad Ayoubi, was rescued by the charity himself over 20 years ago. He’s participating in February on the Floor with his daughter to raise funds and help them both to empathise with children sleeping on the floor.

To get involved, all you need to do is simply choose a week to sleep on the Floor in February. Stand By Me will send you a challenge guide and will set up a sponsorship page for you. Then spread the word in-person or on social media to get sponsored by family and friends! Sign up here to take part now.