In The Cold Light of Day

Waking up under a roof is a luxury we take for granted. But what if we were outside. A freezing cold night in sub zero temperatures with nothing but what you can carry and some cardboard you have found to sleep on to find you face a day wandering around in the same sub zero temperatures.
Standing all day hoping to sell the big issue or even sitting on a cold pavement with a begging cup hoping to raise whatever for some comfort.
I don't advocate begging but I can understand why some resort to it. Not all beggars are on an easy ride. When the cold bites you cna see them disappear, but you will still find some out there.
It would be good if we could keep an open mind when confronted by someone who needs.
It may be for his addiction, but I give the barman tips feeding my own and often cadge a cigarette off friends if I missed the shop late at night. Whats a bit of loose change, when it might just be for a real case of hardship. Why take the chance on principal, and ignore someone you feel is taking you for a ride? I wouldn't do it and we think it's an easy way of making a living.
The big issue seller is out there all day and I have bought one already this week. If so tell the guy you have and talk to him, instead of walking on by.
Buy him a cup of coffee make a friend of him/her instead. It's a really good feeling when you know you have done all you can

I woke this morning to find the whole of Leeds in white out. Fortunately I have one more night under a roof before setting off on a slow walk to Liverpool to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless in these winter conditions.
The walk begins at home in Leeds and takes me through Huddersfield, Oldham, Manchester, Wigan and then onto Liverpool via St Helens and prescot.
I hope to arrive on Sunday to watch my team play, so priviledged am I.
I have already strained a muscle in my thigh when I slipped so it's going to be slow progress. It's also going to be cold as I will be looking for shelter in the open in strange towns that I am not familiar with, but thats the same for many who find themselves on the street suddenly. I am reasonably equipped and better off warmth wise than those I am supporting but I will be telling the story of all the pain in 'being homeless' over the next four days
Stay tuned