Minister sleeps on roof for cash

The minister wants to help people without a roof over their heads

A minister armed with an apple crumble and a sleeping bag is preparing to sit on her church roof for 24 hours to raise money for its repair.

The Reverend Lindsay Pettigrew's 34th birthday will be spent on top of Anchorsholme Methodist Church in Blackpool.

Streetlife, a charity for homeless 16 to 25 year olds, will also benefit from her efforts.

So far she has raised £2,000 but the roof alone could cost thousands more.

"Our church roof is in desperate need of repair," she told BBC News.

"I thought it would be a good idea to raise money to get the roof sorted and also help those people who have not got a roof over their head."

This is a wonderful gesture and it's lovely of the church to offer to share some of the money it raises Jane Hugo, manager of Streetlife

Streetlife, based in Blackpool, is one of the only sanctuaries that caters specifically for young people who find themselves without a home.

"My brothers and sisters are going to support me by camping outside the church and my husband and children are going to pop in tomorrow to throw my birthday presents up to me," the minister added.

Students from Brookfield Boys School have made her a patchwork quilt to keep her warm.

As well as repairing the roof, the church is also hoping to create a cafe and hub for the community at a cost of more than £200,000.

Jane Hugo, manager of Streetlife, said: "This is a wonderful gesture and it's lovely of the church to offer to share some of the money it raises.

"Any money we receive will be appreciated and we want to put it towards buying new furniture for the centre.

"It is just encouraging to see that the community is helping young people, who often get a bad press."