Big Issue seller Geoff Edwards has proved it is never too late to turn your life around after gaining a place at Cambridge University. The former homeless man, aged 52, will be studying English Literature at the prestigious university after spending years living on the city’s streets.
This is one of the most inspiring and uplifting stories I have heard this year so far, made even better by the fact that Geoff had dreamt of going to Cambridge University since he was a little boy.
After leaving school with just two O-Levels, the university dream became unreachable and Geoff moved to Cambridge to work as a field labourer. It was when this work dried up that he found himself homeless.
The success story began when Geoff attended an open day at the university, leading him to join an Access to Higher Education course, which he completed with distinctions.
Heartbreakingly, he told local newspaper the Cambridge News that the achievement was the first thing in his life that he was proud of.
He added: “This is what I have always wanted to do, but no-one in my family had been to university so I didn’t even consider it.
“I was worried about my age, but studying makes you feel young and I have enjoyed mixing with young people.”
It’s easy to forget that there are staggering stories like this behind the homeless people we see on the streets as we go about our busy lives. This story is a reminder to spare a thought for them – especially at this time of year.
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/big-issue-seller-university-reaction-13877610