In co-operation with the club, the Supporters Trust staged the third Big Stamford Bridge Sleep Out this year to raise money for Chelsea’s neighbours Stoll Veterans.

A hardy cohort of season ticket holders and members arrived at the Bridge with nothing more than a sleeping bag, pillow and a supply of cardboard boxes to lay on, gathering on the East Stand lower concourse to sleep overnight in support of veterans struggling through homelessness and lack of wellbeing.

They also received support from Chelsea players past and present, including a video message during the night from current Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Those taking part in 2022 have raised more than £22,000 for Stoll through donations so far, with Chelsea Supporters Trust member Diane Jupp presenting the cheque pitchside on Saturday to Chris Webber, a Stoll resident and veteran who joined his fellow Blues fans on the night to thank them for their efforts, as well as wowing them with tales of his friendship with club legend Peter Osgood in the Seventies.

Stoll chief executive Richard Gammage also took part in the Big Sleep Out, along with his daughter, giving a speech to those taking part outlining the good work done by the organisation and thanking them for their support.

For over 100 years, Stoll has been working with armed forces veterans of all ages in Fulham experiencing homelessness, helping those suffering from physical or mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and providing access to important training as they transition back to civilian life.

The work of Stoll has never been as crucial as during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they continued to provide front-line support by moving their health and wellbeing programme online and supported elderly and disabled veterans with food parcels and domiciliary care, as a large number of veterans continue to shield or self-isolate due to underlying health conditions.

If you wish to show your support for the Sleep Out and donate to Stoll Veterans you can still do so though the Just Giving page, which will remain open for the next few weeks.

The Chelsea Supporters Trust are already planning for another Big Stamford Bridge Sleep Out next winter to continue their fundraising efforts, having already donated more than £50,000 to Stoll over the past three years.