A MAN who spent weeks sleeping rough on the streets is taking part in a sleepout for a charity event raising money for the homeless.
Paul Timpson, 45, is going to join in to help raise money for people who are in the same position that he used to be in.
The Big Sleepout will be taking place at Castle Park on April 20 with hundreds of people getting involved and sleeping rough to raise money for Beacon House.
Based in Crouch Street, the charity acts as a primary health care centre for people who are or have been homeless or are at risk of losing their accommodation.
Paul said: "I was illegally evicted from a property in Colchester and I was on the streets for six weeks.
"It was a very difficult time and all I had was a sleeping bag.
"Each night I was at Abbey Fields or High Woods park or anywhere I could find that I thought was safe.
"I used the Salvation Army for food a few times and the church at Eld Lane.
"Someone told me about Beacon House and because I have epilepsy it is very dangerous health-wise for me to be on the streets."
Paul signed up for the Beacon House system as soon as he was told about it and the organisation looked after him with food, clothing and shelter.
The organisation helped him find a room in the Riverside Hotel, Colchester, where he stayed for three months before moving on to temporary accommodation in the Hythe, where he has been living since October last year.
He now volunteers his time at Beacon House for four days of the week whilst also taking a carpentry course.
Paul said: "They helped me out so I'm helping them out with anything I can do for other homeless people.
"I have been there and experienced it so if I can help one person or even 100 people I will do whatever I can."
You can donate to the cause using Beacon House's bank details:
Account Name: Beacon House Ministries
Sort Code: 23/05/80
Account Number: 24181162
Reference: Sleepout-Paul
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