Chose to support a homeless charity primarily because i have experienced the sense of hopelessness and despair of being homeless. 14 months in Edinburgh, subsequently in Exeter, London and finally Bridgend in Wales, where i was lucky enough to be provided with an assured tenancy, and where i reside till this day.

During my time homeless, an already excessive liking for alcohol developed into a totally destructive dependency which ultimately led to hospitalisation whereupon on the 10th of July last year my family were informed that i had approximately 12 hours to live. It goes without saying i somehow pulled through and alcohol is now a thing of the past.

During my time when i was afforded temporary accommodation i came into contact with a variety of individuals , mostly with some form of addiction or others mildy dysfunctional...some indeed afflicted by both.

One such was Donald, a large man with a generous amount of facial hair. Donald would got to the local corner shop as soon as the off license opened, buy a half bottle of vodka and neck it within 20 yards of leaving the store. I personally found Donald dead in his room one morning. Subsequently i found a twenty something year old lad dead in his room with a needle in his arm.

For my part i begin an OU degree in March and whilst happy to be on a positive track am always mindful of what may be lurking round the corner.

My memory of the sad plight of Donald and others prompted this appeal. ALL donations will go directly to the Edinburgh Mission and Not to me.

Many thanks, please help