I'm raising money to surprise Tudor Paraschiv, a Big Issue seller near my home, to have a Very Merry Christmas this year.

I first met Tudor several years ago as I passed him everyday on my way to work. We got to know each other and in spite of our language barrier (he's from Romania), I really enjoy our chats.

I’ve always been so impressed by Tudor’s approach to a job that has no boss, no set hours, no accountability except to himself. He is at work every single day of the week from 8am to 5pm selling the Big Issue magazine. It's his job and he's there every single day. It's quite a bit different from the job he had in Romania, where he was a dental technician. Despite that, and challenges with his health, he is there at his pitch outside the Fox and Feather near the Bread Store, every day. I can only imagine what it must be like to be a respected member in your professional community doing a job you love, and then find yourself in an alternate reality of selling magazines to survive? There but for the grace.....

I don't get to see him everyday anymore as my work out of town means I drive instead of taking the bus in to the city centre, and I really miss being able to say hi everyday. But I see him already set up every morning when I drive past him on my way to work. On the weekends when I'm doing my shopping on the Gloucester Road he greets me by name and with a giant smile every time.

Tudor has no idea I‘m doing this as it’s a surprise, but I would love to be able to surprise Tudor with a giant envelope of money this Christmas. I have no idea how he'll spend his money Perhaps he’ll take a few weeks holiday from having to come out on cold and rainy days through the winter that must be hell on 63 year old bones.

I don't know how he'll spend it, but I sure want to give him that surprise and the opportunity to have that kind of choice.

Could you all help me help someone who's been so committed to helping himself? I would be so grateful if you could give a couple quid, dollars, euros, etc...and then share this link on your own social media. I'll finish up on the 15th of December and give Tudor whatever has been collected. I'll get a giant Christmas card and sign in the names of everyone who donated to him so he can feel the love sent directly to him.

If there's extra money I'll make sure it gets divvied up between all of the Big Issue Sellers here on my road. They're really lovely people and it would be amazing to give them a Merry Christmas that just might put food on the table and warm boots on their feet.

Much love, and please share the hell out of this!!!Tudor Paraschiv