A Lancaster man who turned his life around after years of living on the streets will sleep out again this Christmas in memory of a fellow champion of homeless people.
Shaun Denny will raise funds for Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS) with a sleep out on the steps of Lancaster Town Hall overnight on Friday December 19/Saturday December 20.
Shaun said he was dedicating the sleep-out to the late Grahame Legg.
Grahame, who died earlier this year, worked at LDHAS and dedicated 22 years of his life to helping homeless people in Lancaster.
Shaun came to Lancaster 14 years ago after spending much of his adult life living on the streets of Manchester.
LISTEN to Shaun Denny, Karen Bean and Simon Reader talking about the Big Sleep Out and LDHAS
"Lancaster's homeless hub was always a place of comfort and encouragement for me," he said.
"I washed dishes for a year voluntarily and gained accommodation through their housing worker.
"I started to face my fears of rejection, feeling less than and self loathing, after years of homeless abuse - being set fire to, attacked and ridiculed.
"My lowest point was being seven stone with a big beard probably heavier than me. I looked up at the night sky with a wish and a desire to feel love and give love.
"In Lancaster I found that love, I found that belonging and acceptance.
"I began to find myself also. We are still together now but not before my past caught up with me."
Shaun had Hepatitis C and needed two liver transplants to save his life.
But he said since 2020, his life has "changed dramatically".
He now works as the Street Homeless Peer Lead for the Hepatitis C Trust, helping homeless people throughout the county.
Below, Shaun pictured outside the LDHAS centre in Lancaster on December 2 2025
"I'm now a professional covering the whole of Lancashire," he said.
"I help the homeless, and I have excelled within my role with the support of my family and colleagues.
"I'm in a good place in life but want to give a bit back.
"So on Friday 19th December I'm bringing the paper cup out of retirement and sleeping out on the streets of Lancaster to raise money for LDHAS.
"The man in the picture alongside me dedicated 22 years of his life to Lancaster's homeless but is sadly no longer with us or he'd be first to sign up.
"This one's for you Grahame."
Karen Bean, new manager of the LDHAS Centre in Lancaster, will join Shaun during the sleep-out, alongside other supporters.
LDHAS aims to help those experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, providing breakfast, lunch, showers, clothing and use of IT.
Below, centre manager Karen Bean, Shaun, and engagement officer Simon Reader
The homeless hub, based in Aalborg Place, Lancaster, has visiting agencies offering medical support and help with substance misuse, housing advice and help navigating bureaucracy.
Shaun's fundraising page can be found HERE.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
