A PORT Glasgow woman braved the cold to help raise money to help the homeless.

Tanya Peacock joined the Big Sleep Out and spent a cold winters night at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow to get a glimpse of the nightly conditions experienced by those without a roof over their heads this Christmas.

Tanya, 36, said: "I wanted to get involved in the event as no one should be on the streets in this day and age.

“I'm a Rangers supporter and heard about the event through the club. It was cold and a sobering experience.

“I was a bit nervous because I was doing it on my own but many people on the streets are on their own every night."

Tanya had just a sleeping bag to keep warm and admitted that lasting the night was a more difficult challenge than she first thought.

She said: “The cold was the tough part.

“When it got to 4am it really started to bite, but the fundraising team and everyone there was great and we got each other through to the morning.”

Tanya believes more has to be done to help people who find themselves living on the streets.

She said: “It was an experience and my heart goes out to anyone that has to sleep rough. I only did it for one night with people around me but the homeless have to do it every night. It's about time the government stepped in and helped these people.”

Tanya's efforts raised just over £200, which will be split between the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter and the Rangers Charity Foundation.

Tanya said: “I was happy to raise the sum and it goes to two good causes. I will do it again next year but I am hoping that things will perhaps change for the better during the next 12 months.

“I only did one night on the street and I got a cold. I really feel for those who have to do it every night, I don’t know how they get through the winter.

That is why money like this is needed to help keep shelters open. I am glad I was able to take part and help.”

To support Tanya's fundraising effort visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tanya-peacock1