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His name was Paul and he had been living rough for three years, on and off. We ex-
plainedallaboutourtripandwhywewerebuskingforfood.Heseemedgenuinelyamused
by it all.
'You must think we're real idiots doing this trip when we've got homes to go to. I hope
you're not offended by it?' I said.
'Offended? Nah, not at all mate. I think what you're doing sounds wicked, man. It
sounds much more fun that a week in Butlins or summit. Anyway, if you have to sleep in
barns and stuff like you have, then it will make you appreciate how lucky you are when
you get back to your houses.'
'That is so true. And just meeting you makes us realise how lucky we are. We worry
when we miss a meal orif it starts getting dark and we've got nowhere to stay.Youhave to
go through that every single day.'
'Yep. We sure do.'
'What is Lancaster like for homeless people?' asked Ben.
'It's pretty good. That's why there's so many of us. These lot are all homeless, too,' he
said, pointing to a group of about eight people towards the other side of the steps. 'I come
from Manchester originally, but I needed to get out of there. A mate told me Lancaster had
good hostels and shit, so I came here about a year and a half ago and I've been here since.
There are a few different shelters and places to get food. In fact, you guys could stay to-
night, I'm sure. There are usually a couple of spare beds.'
'That's really kind of you, but I think we'd feel like frauds if we took up a bed in a
homeless shelter,' said Ben.
'Alright, suit yourselves,' he laughed.
'It's been really good to meet you and I hope things get sorted out for you soon. You
seem like a really decent bloke,' said Ben.
'Yeah, you both are, too. Not many people sit and chat to us lot like you do. Fair play to
you both. Good luck getting to Scotland.'
'We'renevergoingtogetallthisfoodintoourbags,'saidBenaswewalkedbacktoour
bikes. 'Why don't we give some of it to those guys?'
'Goodidea.Theydeserveitmuchmorethanwedo.Wecangetfoodwheneverwewant
just by singing
Take On Me
.'
We squashed a packet of cookies, dry-roasted peanuts, extra strong mints and the drinks
into our rucksacks and took the carrier bag with the remaining crisps, cookies and sweets
to Paul.
'Here you go, mate. We've not got room for all of this in our bags. We thought you all
might be able to help us out,' I said.
His face lit up.
'Thanks, guys. Much obliged,' he said.
On our way out of Lancaster we passed a bike shop.
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