“One month ago, almost to the day, I was homeless, with little or no prospects and at a crossroads in my life. I had nothing but a small rucksack containing all my worldly possessions, which mainly consisted of a few books, assorted notebooks and only the clothes I stood up in, which, by the way, could have stood up on their own.

After spending almost 7 months living precariously at Heathrow International Airport, with my days spent in Hounslow Library and my nights spent curled up on a small and uncomfortable bench in the arrivals area of Terminal 2, I decided to return to my hometown of Staines. 

 

I didn’t know why but I felt compelled to return. After a few nights sleeping in the doorway of an Ashford church, one day I strolled aimlessly into Staines.	"...a living example that with enough faith and trust in God and a little help from some good friends, anything is possible....”

I walked and I walked, not knowing where I was going.  When I finally stopped, I found myself at the door of the West London Boiler Room.  Initially I had no idea what I would find as I eased the door open and stepped sheepishly inside – having no knowledge of the background of the place, or the people.

 

I was met by Nigel Smith, who sat down with me to talk of my experiences, made me a sandwich and a cuppa and generally lifted my spirits. 

 

He also gave me an insight to the history and work involved with east2west and the Boiler Room.  That day was the beginning of the rest of my life and a day I will never forget.

 

Over the coming weeks the combined efforts of the team have helped me enormously.  Steve, Andy, Tim, Bracky, Chris Brassil, Ruth, Matilda, Louise, etc...  (There are others I haven’t listed but it’s only on paper, not in my heart.)  Most notably, Chris Bland (Louise's husband) has helped me seek out work, a place to live and has helped me selflessly to pick up the pieces of my life and dream for the future.  He is a man I already look upon as a big brother figure.

 

The work of east2west (amazing local partners in the West London Boiler Room project. Ed.) deserves to be notices and recognized.  I should know … I’m one of their many success stories – a living example that with enough faith and trust in God and a little help from some good friends, anything is possible.”