Industry bigwigs prepare for Byte Night

Byte Night raises money for National Children's Homes

Byte Night, the IT industry charity sleep out, has announced that 42 individuals have been appointed to this year's board.

Celebrating its 10th year, the event raises money for National Children's Homes (NCH).

This year's sleep out on 3 October is expected to raise £500,000 for vulnerable youngsters across the country.

New members of the board include J P Rangaswami, managing director at BT Design, Mike Tobin, chief executive at Telecity, and Andrew Hawkins, senior manager and head of business mobility at Nokia UK.

"The board has been a pillar of support and passion for the event through the years," said Ken Deeks, co-founder of Byte Night.

"It is a testament to the nature of the industry that we can attract interest from such big hitters in the world of IT who provide time, energy and enthusiasm for a great cause that supports young people who are homeless or coping with life after leaving care.

"Without the board's help, Byte Night would not be NCH's single largest fundraising event of the year."

The IT professionals will sleep rough on 3 October at a central event in London and at smaller sleep outs in Thames Valley, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

"Most of us live very comfortable lives and take the availability of good food and a warm bed for granted," said Mike Tobin, chief executive at Telecity.

"My reason for getting involved in Byte Night is simple: in addition to raising funds for the important work of NCH, I will be sleeping out to remind myself that others are not so fortunate.

"A little personal discomfort for one night will go a long way towards raising awareness of vulnerable children and giving them the resources to get back into a safe society."