BBC Homes Under The Hammer star Martin Roberts 'sleeping rough' as he issues plea

Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts has bravely faced the cold and discomfort of sleeping rough to draw attention to homelessness. The 61 year old TV star reached out to his followers on social media this week to make an impassioned plea for donations.

The BBC celebrity was supporting the charity @thebillychip and took to his online platform, where he's followed by over 53,000 people. His message read: "Tonight's the night I'm sleeping rough to raise awareness of the homeless and the @thebillychip charity. If you can help me reach my £1000 target please donate here and if you can stay up I'll need words to warm me."

In a sincere video message, Martin - who regularly visits Stoke-on-Trent to film the show - said: "So tonight I'm going to spend a fairly uncomfortable few hours experiencing sleeping rough. I've got a sleeping bag and all other sorts of bits and pieces to try and make it slightly better. But at the end of the day, I know how hard this is going to be. It's freezing cold. It's November. It's terrible."

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Wrapping up his message, he underscored the harsh reality for those who have no other option, stating: "But it's all to raise awareness for the homeless. I get the choice every once and a while but there are people that don't have that choice."

Martin's recent social media update saw an outpouring of encouragement from his followers., as reported by the Express. As one admirer put it: "You are a [star]. Wish I was in the UK to bring you a hot toddy. Thinking of you and sending love instead. And yes, I'll be donating xx."

On Twitter, support continued with messages like: "Good luck Martin! " and other fans commenting with praise: "People need people, well done, I hope you have a decent evening."

A fourth backer showed their support by saying: "Well done Martin, I've just donated! It's a great cause and I believe in you! ".

Martin had previously shared his motivations for participating in the CEO SleepOut Bristol 2024 event, expressing in a moving post: "I'm joining a group of people from across Bristol for a night experiencing firsthand what its like to spend overnight, homeless on the streets."

In his statement, he further explained his dedication to the cause: "I'm trying to raise awareness and funds for people facing adverse poverty and homelessness in the Bristol area. Last time I did this I caught pneumonia, but it's such an important cause I'm doing it again."

Highlighting the plight of the homeless, he added: "And I have the choice to stay for just one night. Others aren't so fortunate. So sponsor me for as much as you can. Every penny makes difference. And Thank You in advance for your kindness, your generosity, and your commitment to making the world a better place through compassion."

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