Prince William spent a night sleeping rough
Wednesday 23 December 2009 8:54 AM
The Prince, patron of Centrepoint, was aiming to raise public awareness of the homeless charity's work. But its chief executive - who joined William and his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton on the sleep-out near Blackfriars bridge last Wednesday - revealed that a roadsweeper nearly ran them all over. Seyi Obakin, who had challenged Wills to experience being homeless for one night, said: "It was a scary experience out in the elements but the Prince was determined to do it."
A photograph from the charity shows William - in trainers, jeans, hooded top and hat - standing next to Mr Obakin and their bedding.
BITTER
Mr Obakin said: "We took precautions - finding a secluded spot in an alley shielded by wheelie bins.
"But there was no shielding from the bitter cold or the concrete floor or the fear of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a good kicking.
"One of the hairiest moments was when we were almost run over by a roadsweeper. It shows how vulnerable rough sleepers are."
The trio got little sleep and at 6am William, 27, was taken to see other homeless kids - and cooked breakfast for some at a charity centre. He said later: "I can't, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night.
"But I hope that by deepening my understanding I can help the most vulnerable on our streets."
His interest in Centrepoint, which has its 40th anniversary this year, was inspired by his mother Diana. She was also its patron and often took William and his brother Harry on her visits to the homeless.
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