HUNDREDS of people slept in cardboard boxes to raise money for the homeless.

On Friday, boxes, sleeping bags and duvets filled the floor at Hillingdon Athletics Stadium as fundraisers took part in Trinity Homeless Project’s Big SleepOut.

“It was an experience to say the least – mindful of the fact that we were just playing at being homeless – it must be horrendous for the genuine homeless people,” said Lee McGrath, team leader at Tracker UK in Cowley, who camped out with her colleagues.

“It was not as cold as expected and everyone was very friendly and in good spirits.”

The Tracker team alone has raised £2,418.75 so far and donations are still coming in.

Mayoress Lynne Kauffman, who camped alone after her husband, Mayor Allan Kauffman came down with the flu, said the event was the best experience she has had in a long while.

“Over 200 people, including lots of young people were all together dancing and singing until the early hours,” she said.

“It was a brilliant project and it made me think just how lucky we are to live in communities where we all support each other.”

Trinity offers furnished housing to people in west London and helps them get back into education and employment.

Donations are still being counted but organisers say they hope to raise about £40,000.