Sadly, Steve was homeless for 28 years.
Steve's story is a very sad one yet he consistently remains a happy chap. He is part and parcel of the local Brighton community, known by many locals, visitors, traders and businesses. He is kind, caring and thoughtful.
I struck up a friendship with Steve just over 4 years ago when I took over a shop near his Big Issue pitch. We started chatting, he would pop into the shop, me and my team would make him cups of tea. Then, when I got my first dog, Arthur, the two of them became great mates! Steve started walking Arthur regularly taking him to the beach and even on the train. Then along came my second dog, Digby. Digby also loves Steve so my two lucky dogs get walked by him regularly.
Happily, around 2.5 years ago, Steve finally secured a studio flat with the Council's support. With his earnings from selling The Big Issue, and the generosity of the local community, he is mostly able to pay his gas, electric, water, council tax and buy food. It is a real struggle though.
Steve is asthmathic and susceptible to chest infections. He also has an incarcerated hernia.
Today, Steve is in hospital.
Today, as I write this, Steve is in hospital for the second time in 6 weeks after collapsing in a cafe 6 days ago and being rushed to A&E in an ambulance. The medical staff have been wonderful and their efforts mean that treatment of both his gall bladder and kidney infections are heading in the right direction.
However, his heart complaint is still under investigation. I spoke with his Doctor today and Steve will see the Cardiology specialist in the next few days for further investigation who hope to fully diagnose the heart complaint and agree a plan for treatment going forward.
Here's the thing.... or here are THE THINGS....
1) It's coming into winter. Steve will stand out all day, every day selling The Big Issue and that's not good for his health.
2) He's currently weak and quite breathless; he won't be earning any money whilst he recuperates. He doesn't know how long that will be, particularly given the undiagnosed heart complaint.
3) He has no savings to fall back on or additional financial support.
4) Steve also has an incarcerated hernia. He's been waiting for the operation to remove this for 4 years. Unfortunately, now that he has a heart issue, the hernia isn't a priority. Once his health improves and his heart condition is stable, he will have to go back onto the waiting list for the hernia operation.
5) On 5 October, it's Steve's birthday.
It's probably a good time to say that Steve is not an alcoholic or a drug addict.
Please help him to recover, manage his health, brave the winter and have
A SUPER, SPECIAL BIRTHDAY to remember.