AN inspirational East Renfrewshire woman braved the cold to raise awareness and money for those who are homeless.

Andree Young, from Neilston, wrapped up warm with her friend Caroleann Dickov on one of the chilliest nights of the year to take part in the Ibrox Sleepout.

Together, they raised more than £300 for the Rangers Charity Foundation as they slept next to the Ibrox pitch.

Andree, 46, who works for the Glasgow City Mission, didn’t let the testing weather conditions dampen her enthusiasm as she joined others to highlight the issue of homelessness.

She told the Barrhead News: “It was absolutely freezing but I was so buzzing to do it.

“At about 2.30am, the temperature dropped to minus-three degrees, so it was very challenging, but it was a great night and a fantastic achievement for everyone who took part.”

Andree has campaigned tirelessly to help bring an end to homelessness.

She believes few people will ever fully understand the hardships endured by those who have to sleep rough.

“Most of us have a comfortable bed,” said Andree. “We have heating, warm clothes, food and comfort, but imagine having to lie in the street night in, night out, facing all sorts that sleeping rough brings.

“I can’t begin to imagine – that’s why I did the sleepout – but I knew that, in the morning, I was returning to my warm home.

“Imagine just hoping that you wake up in the morning.”

Thanks to the efforts of Andree, Caroleann and others, the Glasgow City Mission will be able to keep a homeless shelter open for an additional month, bringing vital care to vulnerable people.

Andree said: “The money we raised keeps it running for an extra month. Instead of shutting in February, we can stay open until the end of March.

“I really don’t know how those who are homeless are able to do it. Homelessness is a problem for people from all walks of life too, which many of us seem to forget.”