Ana Fernandes sleeps out in the open.
LONDON
Sleeping out in the open air at Swindon can be physically and mentally challenging for anyone unaccustomed to winter and poverty.
A Goan has been doing just at the Swindon’s BIG SleepOut Challenge during Christmas since 2019 to raise funds for the homeless in Swindon.
Ana Fernandes, who is originally from Cansaulim, has been living along with her husband Francisco Gonsalves, originally from Pardi Bhatt, Agassaim, their daughter and son in Swindon for 21 years.
Ana has been working for NHS for 10 years as an Assistant Practitioner at General Practice Surgery Swindon Wiltshire and is also a Parish Councillor.
“I have tried to help Goan patients at the medical centre, especially those who approach me with their problems and have a language barrier. Working for NHS has taught me that the smallest things can make the biggest difference to people,” said Ana.
SLEEPOUT CHALLENGE
Ana has been contributing to the community in Swindon in different activities and one of them included the Sleepout Challenge.
“I have been participating in the Sleepout Challenge since 2019, while my son, Hamilton, who was only 15 years old also took part in the Sleepout Challenge,” said Ana.
“I have been taking part in the Sleepout Challenge and last year was my fourth year in a row in Swindon. We raised money for the homeless at Threshold Housing. For me to sleep out for one night was very difficult and I can’t even imagine how the homeless people survive sleeping out everyday.
“I can’t begin to think how people survive the bitter winter and storms while sleeping with minimal items to protect them. Last year, my friend, Juliet Gomes, participated for the second year in the Sleepout Challenge.”
GROCERY DONATIONS
Ana has also been involved in donating groceries along with her group The Helping Hearts based in Swindon.
[From L to R] Meural Cardoso, Ana Fernandes and Cynara Monteiro supply groceries for charity.
“As the cost of living has increased across the globe, people living in UK too are feeling the heat of inflation. It is very difficult for many families especially those who are working, single Mums, low income,” said Ana.
“I have come across several people who are struggling at present. I have also donated groceries to The Harbour project, a refugee charity based in Swindon.”
“I know a lot of Goan families especially, single Mums, Dads, who find it hard to bring food on the table every day. I have been distributing groceries to single parents ,those low-income group, those with terminal illness, etc. I also started distributing groceries for Christmas.”
“I love helping all communities because for me that is my way to find passion. All my family and friends donate groceries, help me to pack, sort out and deliver to people houses. Massive thanks to my group The Helping Hearts in Swindon.”
Ana was recently awarded a special recognition MTM Award in recognition of her services services to local charity work, both in Swindon and abroad.
[From L to R] Princia Fernandes, Meural Cardoso, Blasio Josy and Ana Fernandes while packing groceries.
