Meet the eight-year-old Gloucester schoolgirl who's doing something amazing to support the homeless

Tilly Farmer, like most eight-year-olds, lives her warm, comfy bed.

But what sets her apart from many children, and some adults, is that she's fully aware of just how lucky she is to have that and a roof over her head.

And that's why the Elmbridge Primary School pupil has signed up to be the youngest participant in an annual Gloucester event that sees dozens of people swap their home comforts for the stone cold floor of Gloucester Cathedral for the night.

The Cloisters Challenge is in its fifth year and aims to raise awareness and funds to support the city's homeless.

Tilly's mum Rosie, 42, is one of the organisers and said her youngest daughter has been nagging her for years to take part.

"We've always felt she was just a bit too young, but this year we think she's big enough to do it," said Rosie, a mum-of-three.

"She's excited, but she's also a bit worried of the dark and the cold and she fully understands that that's what people who are homeless have to go through every night."

Rosie said Tilly often sympathises with homeless people on the street and regularly uses her own pocket money to buy them a chocolate bar or a drink.

"She said something which really struck me not long ago - 'I don't think it's fair mummy because everyone should be able to have a home'," said Rosie.

You can see what Tilly herself thinks of the challenge in the video above.

The event on March 22 sees people bed down for the night in the cathedral's cloisters. This year, 38 people have so far signed up, plus a group of about 30 teenagers from Ribston Hall High School and 40 from King's School.

Bishop of Gloucester the Right Reverent Rachel Treweek will be among those spending the night, as will reigning Miss Gloucester Tamsin Grainger.

"I've heard before 'It's just a load of rich people pretending to be homeless for the night' and we don't shy away from that - yes it is. But if it raises that extra bit of awareness and a good amount of money to do something to help, then fine," said Rosie.

"The hardest part people who have done it before find is the noise. The cold is one thing, and it is very cold, but the cloisters are so loud that a lot of people really struggle. If one person snores, it echoes right down to the end."

Money raised this year will go charity HaVinG, a good cause based in Gloucester that gives grants to various organisations who work proactively with the city's homeless. 

You can sign up to take part or donate here .