A once homeless man has told how an act of Christmas kindness inspired him to turn his life around so much he now has his own place and a job helping to save others.
Paul Kamara, 46, lived rough for 20 months after he lost his job and split with his partner.
But all that changed when a family invited him in off the streets to share their dinner on Christmas Day six years ago.
Paul was so moved he decided to change his life. First he visited a job centre, then he did a health and social care college course and now he is an award-winning staff member at Manchester’s cancer hospital, The Christie.
He also has his own home – and is looking forward to spending this Christmas with his own family – his two children and his sister.
Paul said: “I hope my story shows how hard work and perseverance can pay off.
“I am incredibly proud to have turned my life around and hugely grateful to The Christie for giving me the break I needed.”
His message to homeless people is: Never give up.
“You need to have hope and keep focused on getting your life back on track. Avoid getting caught up in drink or drugs. Keep pushing yourself to improve.
“Push through the barriers and any adversity,” he said.
Paul worked in security at Manchester Airport before he found himself on the streets.
But after a stint working as a volunteer at The Christie in 2018, he was offered paid employment.
Since then he has been promoted twice and now works as a Patient Pathway Tracker. And in 2019, he won Learner of the Year in the Christie’s staff awards.
Paul said: “It has pride of place next to my TV. If you want to grow as a person, you must be willing to learn new things.”
He was living in temporary accommodation when he first started at The Christie.
But in 2020, Paul moved into his housing association flat in Stalybridge, Gtr Manchester.
He said: “Now that I have a stable home, I see my kids regularly at the weekends – and I am really looking forward to being with them over Christmas.
“I’m very optimistic about my future. Looking back on where I was six years ago compared with now, it feels like a lifetime ago.”
But Paul is not resting on his laurels. He now plans to study for a master’s degree “to help me to progress in my career”.
Andy Gibson, head of performance at The Christie, said: “Paul’s story is truly inspiring.
“He has shown so much resilience to get through being homeless and his optimism in life shines through.
“I hope Paul has a wonderful Christmas this year.”
