A rough sleeper based in Reading has a place to stay over Christmas after his story went viral on social media.
John, 28, met kind stranger Harry Beardsley yesterday (Wednesday) who offered to pay for a few nights of accommodation during the festive period.
Harry appealed for more support on Twitter and within just a few hours users paid John’s rent until January 15 and donated more than £5,000 on GoFundMe.
“Thank you for housing me over Christmas. I’ve never had anything, thank you,” said John in a series of videos.
Absolutely overwhelmed by all of the support!!! Thank you all, spending today sorting a room/flat- some clothes and some other bits! Exciting times ahead. pic.twitter.com/KDhy7s2epR
— Harry Beardsley (@harry_beardsley) December 23, 2021
“Thank you everyone for helping me, I’m going to get some rent in a place and a job and in 2022 I wish everyone love.
“I hope you have a great 2022, and the rest of your life. Thank you so much.”
Read more: Chronicle calls out MoJ for silence on £10million Banksy offer
After going for a pint with Harry, John has been offered a trial shift at a Reading pub.
Reading residents also stepped in to discuss possible jobs for John, who has kitchen and bar experience.
Met a homeless lad today called John. Decided to take him for lunch, a few beers and some pool.
— Harry Beardsley (@harry_beardsley) December 22, 2021
He’s 28, has done kitchen work and bar work before. Based in Reading. If anyone has any work going please DM me. Would love to help him out.
Please RT to get some coverage #Reading pic.twitter.com/qwsOPbgwfc
A woman who works in a Woodley scaffolding company contacted Harry looking for yard staff to help load lorries.
Twitter user John Vincent, who runs a commercial cleaning company in Reading, offered to speak with John.
Read more: Glittering Reading in all its Christmas decorations this year
“Absolutely overwhelmed by all of the support,” wrote Harry on Twitter.
“Thank you all, spending today sorting a room/flat- some clothes and some other bits. Exciting times ahead.”
Even HSBC Bank pointed John in the direction of their No Fixed Address account.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here