A WOMAN from Radcliffe has been hailed as an inspiration thanks to her passion for helping homeless people.

Since spending the day with a homeless man in April, Amy Yates has devoted herself to fundraising for Manchester-based charity Barnabus, with a family fun day due to be held later this month.

The 24-year old security guard was moved to take action after taking the man, called Paul, for a meal and hearing his traumatic story of losing his home and being forced onto the streets, where he has been attacked several times.

Amy, of Ainsworth Road, said: “I bumped into Paul one Sunday when I had nothing to do and decided to take him out for some food.

“I sat with him for a good couple of hours and he was constantly apologising for the way he looked because he thought there would be no restaurants that would let us in.

“He had been out on the streets since Christmas after his house was knocked down and was sleeping in car parks.

“He has been beaten up by drunks several times, spat at, and had his ribs broken. He tries to get enough money to get on the tram so he can sit on it all day and stay warm until the last tram stops.

“He got really quite emotional when the food came out. I’ve never seen anybody so grateful.”

Amy and her brother, Connor Griffiths, have organised a charity fun day at the Wilton Arms pub, in Coronation Road, Radcliffe, on Saturday July 25 in aid of Barnabus.

The charity offers services for the homeless, ranging from food and hot showers, to help with accommodation, benefits, training and support back into employment, and sees more than 500 people every week.

Amy added: “I know Paul is a regular at one of the soup kitchens run by Barnabus and they have told me that he’s doing well, but there are so many more people that need help.

“I was able to help him but there are a lot more people who are homeless and don’t have the good fortune of kind strangers coming along to make their lives a little bit better.

“This really opened my eyes and inspired me to do something. This is a cause that I have become really passionate about and I plan to do a lot more working with Barnabus in the future.”

Proceeds from the charity day will go towards funding an extension to Barnabus’ Manchester centre so they can cope with the growing demand for their services.

Carol Price, Barnabus’ development and fundraising manager, said: “Amy is a young lady who has astounded us with her compassion to help the homeless, from that very first day where she stepped in to spend time with someone who was homeless and have a meal together, to the incredible way that she has gained support for this fundraising family fun day in support of our work.

“Barnabus are delighted to have her support. It's going to be an amazing day and we're thankful to everyone who comes to support it and join in the fun!”

For more information on the fun day, which will include a funfair, raffles, and mini golf: visit www.facebook.com/events/1599186220325569/