Big Issue vendor Karl Lamsdale has returned to his pitch in Birmingham city centre less than five months after a suspected hit-and-run left him in a five-week coma.
Karl, also known as Bubble, has become the city’s first Big Issue seller to be allowed to use a chair as he continues to recover from the extensive injuries that left him in hospital for 92 days.
The 52-year-old has taken up his usual spot outside Snow Hill Station.
Talking to Birmingham Live about his return to work, Karl said: “Even though I wasn’t there long [on the first day], the number of people who came up to me in the morning was phenomenal – I spent more time talking than selling!”
Jon Hyde, Birmingham team leader for The Big Issue, said: “It’s great to have him back.
“It’s obviously early days, and we’re taking it a step at a time. He worked on Thursday and Friday and then over the weekend, so we’re just seeing how it goes.