These Rebels With A Cause Are Certainly Doing Their Bit

The Rebels’ FA Trophy trail didn’t run as long as their FA Cup adventure.

Out after a 3-2 home defeat to Weston-super-Mare, Neil Baker and Jon Underwood had plenty to ponder.

But while they will often chat tricky games through over a few drinks, football was the last thing on their minds as they slept rough for a very good cause.

“One of our volunteers at the club who works for Slough Council is helping deal with the homeless crisis,” Baker explained when we spoke to him the day after. “They run a charity that for three months a year and it provides a shelter and food for the homeless in around the area.

“For the last three years I believe they have done a sleepout to help try and raise funds to pay for this, as costs are around £30,000.

“Stuart asked if someone from the club would do it, so we ended up with myself Unders, John Porter (vice chairman) secretary Kay Lathey and Adrian Gomm, who is the voice of Rebels Radio, all spending the night out.”

The group have already smashed their £1,000 target but welcome any further donations. You can help their cause by visiting the online pledge page here.

“It was opened by Will Mellor and were about 70-80 people sleeping out including the local MP, we were given cardboard boxes and had to brave the elements,” added Baker.

“It was done in a controlled area, so makes you realise how hard it must be for the people who are in the position they are.

“It wasn’t too bad in the early part of the night, however the wind was really biting about 2am and became very difficult to sleep!

“We always like to do a few community events each year and felt that this was worthwhile, I was glad we did it as it gave you a different opinion talking to people who are involved with the homeless and some of the stories are quite harrowing.”