A man who was sleeping on the streets with nothing but the clothes on his back has got back into long distance hiking after turning his life around.
Liam O’Sullivan, 59, had been sleeping under bridges and on park benches after being unable to cope with the death of his wife before he visited the homeless charity Emmaus in Burnley three years ago.
After working with the charity, he was able to gain work in the charity's Rochdale department store.
The lifestyle change reunited Liam with his passion for long distance walking.
Liam at Kinder Scout in the Peak District
Whereas before he’d trekked for miles around to find a safe place to sleep, Burnley and the wider countryside has become a source of great joy for Liam, providing the opportunity to spot wildlife and the chance to unwind.
Liam said: “Walking now is completely different from when I was homeless. I walked to keep away from everyone because it felt quite dangerous.
“I slept where I could and kept moving on. Emmaus has really helped me.
Liam at Hameldon Hill near Burnley
“Not enough people appreciate Emmaus for what it does for you.
“Every purchase people make in our department store goes to help someone in need.
“Emmaus was a lifeline for me.”
Liam’s top spots in Burnley include Rowley Lake and Townley Park as well as Edale village and Kinder Scout in the Peak District, and Ingleborough, the second highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales.
When he started walking, Liam did not have the proper footwear and wet weather gear to go out walking and Emmaus stepped up, using money from the Rochdale store to buy Liam a pair of walking boots and a full set of waterproofs.
Liam at Kinder Scout in the Peak District
Director of Emmaus Burnley Stephen Buchanan said: “Since Liam came to us, it has been a lovely to see him enjoy the great outdoors again.
“Walking is fantastic for the people who live and work with us, with many benefits to their physical and mental wellbeing.
“I know Liam has been kind enough to take some of the other people we support on his travels.
The new camping gear Emmaus supplied to Liam
“As someone Burnley-born and bred, and through his former experiences, he knows some of the most spectacular places around the town and the best viewpoints to go and visit.”
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