John’s got a wicked sense of humour which belies the difficult life he’s led that brought to our door. Originally from up north, he was working in security for G4S until they started bringing in the army to help fill their Olympic contract. He lost his job with around eight other colleagues – and then found himself on the street.Wanting to work for a living, he took to selling the Big Issue outside Pret’s Kings Cross branch. One day, he started clearing up some mess outside the shop and the area manager called him over to say he needn’t. John said he didn’t mind and continued.
The next day, the branch manager called him in for a meeting and offered him the chance of a job through the Pret Foundation. Following his successful interview, his new employer asked whether he had a home – as he didn’t, he was referred to Shelter from the Storm. He’s now been with us for over three months and is saving up for a home of his own. While with us, he’s started writing his own story which he’s also illustrating. He’s been entered for a writing competition and someone has approached him about publishing it. Things are looking up…