A homeless man living in Caterham has been given a Christmas present with a difference, after money was raised to pay for him to stay at a local hotel.
Peter Jackson had been living on a bench outside Caterham train station for the last few months, and has spent time in the William Garland pub to keep warm.
Jane Buchanan, who had seen Mr Jackson sleeping rough, started a JustGiving page to raise money for him to stay at the Travelodge in Whyteleafe.
The page has raised £1,280 so far, and Mr Jackson has been staying at the Travelodge since 21 December.
Ms Buchanan said Mr Jackson has been very touched by the reaction:
“Peter has been blown away by the amount of money which has come in. He was speechless and he couldn’t believe that people had gone to so much trouble, and have donated as much as they have. Travelodge have been so good. They have given him free breakfast and soft drinks, and have really looked after him.
Hopefully the money we have raised will keep him at the Travelodge for another week because he has been homeless for roughly a year or so. I would like to get him some help, maybe through the council or the doctor because he won’t want to go back to his bench after being in the hotel. He is quite poorly, as well as being a pensioner.”
To donate, visit Peter's JustGiving page.
