Taste of homelessness inspires charity worker

A man who slept rough on the streets for two nights is walking almost 1,000km around Ireland to highlight the plight of young homeless people.

Daniel Granger also wants to raise funds for Focus Ireland, which has supported 10,000 people who have fallen on hard times in the last 18 months.

The 30-year-old has taken eight weeks off work to trek 999km along the southern coastline from his home in Bray, Co Wicklow, to Galway.

“Homelessness is one of the problems we can solve in this country if we all put our minds to it,” said Mr Granger.

“When you stop and chat to someone who is homeless they are really lovely people just down on their luck.

“With a support system they could be starting a new life. Most people just need a chance.”

Mr Granger moved from his family home in Chester in the UK to Dublin 10 years ago but within a week spent his first night on the street when he could not afford accommodation.

Four years ago he again ended up in a homeless hostel for three months before getting a proper roof over his head.

Carrying a tent to sleep in each night – and with two blisters on his foot and two pins in his right ankle from a car accident – Mr Granger now aims to walk 20km a day, six days a week down to the Ring of Kerry and up to Galway.

He has already raised €2,500 through his workplace, Neil’s Fruit and Veg in Crumlin, but wants to triple that.

Donations can also be made through http://www.bebo.com/999km.

“I came over and got a job but didn’t have enough money to get a place,” he continued.

“I thought I had planned well enough but I hadn’t. I was on the streets for two nights. It was cold and wet.

“I realised the homeless need as much support as they can get and I decided this year I wanted to do something for Focus.

“I also want to promote the message and chat to people to get as much support as possible.”

Focus Ireland commended Daniel for taking the time and making the effort to do this walk for the organisation.

Fundraising director Mark Mellett said: “Not only is he raising much-needed funds he is also helping to raise awareness of the issues by literally taking to the streets of Ireland and meeting many people along the way.

“The fact he has personal experience of being homeless means he really knows how it can happen to anyone if you hit a bad patch in life.

“It’s really important to highlight that people can overcome homelessness when the right supports and services are in place and that’s why Focus Ireland needs funds to support our work.”