Martin

Before I lived here, I was homeless.

I used to live with my brother, but he was sent to prison, and lost his flat. It was a horrible situation.

I grew up in Hackney. I didn’t really have a good childhood. My dad was very abusive. Sometimes it was nice - but most of the time it was bad.

Gardening was always one of my favourite things. We’ve done the garden next door - growing cabbages, peas, onions, carrots, strawberries. We’ve done well with it. It’s nice to go out there.

The best advice I received was from my dad. It’s that old saying,‘Don’t shit on your own doorstep.’ Don’t turn on your friends, family, neighbours. A lot of people do when they get into drugs.

I like helping people. Some people can’t cook, so I cook for them. I help with the garden. Everyone needs a bit of help sometimes.

Going to see my nieces makes me happy. They’re 20, 18, and nine. They’re my world. When I was homeless,my sister used to cook me dinner every other day. We just have a laugh.

I have a blue Staffordshire called Sky who is as gentle as anything. When I got her, she was in a bad way - she had mange. It was terrible, she wouldn’t bark, she wouldn’t play, but now she’s nuts!

Any music is good, so long as I can understand it.

My psoriasis makes me nervous. It’s caused by stress. Also, I don’t like spiders. My brother put one in my ear when I was young, and I couldn’t get it out.

It really winds me up when I see older people getting things done to them.

My mum is my hero, not anyone famous (though she was filmed by accident when they were making Buster!) No matter what, she was always working.

I’m proud of myself. I was really bad on drugs, and without SHP, I wouldn’t have had a chance. I’ve come a long way since I’ve been here.

Rock bottom was about two years ago. I was sleeping out on the street. It was horrible, because you’re not getting any sleep, you’re out in all types of weather. People abuse you. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. Thank God for places like this.

The happiest moment of my life was when my first niece was born,Gina. I was there when my sister went into labour. We had just lost our dad two days before, but it was still the greatest day. Brilliant.

Money you can get easily. Respect isn’t easy to earn.

I’ve never been in love. I’m too old for it now. I’ve got my family, and that’s enough love for me.

Other people would describe me as thoughtful, caring. Good company. I hope they would - I would hate to be called a horrible person, because I’m not.

I hardly ever take my hat off - only when I go to bed. I have about 16 or 17 - my favourite is a NewYorkYankees hat with a little baseball guy on it. It’s a bit small now. My head seems to be getting bigger!

The best advice I could give would be to stay away from drugs, love your family.Two most important things. People say cannabis doesn’t lead to harder drugs, but it does. It really does. I should be settled down now,with a good job. All of it’s gone because of drugs. But it’s getting better!