Russell Trimby, John Lewis, Reading: ‘I look after my dad. He’s got dementia’
Russell credits his dogs, and his dad, for helping him to get clean
I’ve been selling Big Issue for about two years on and off. I had a friend who did it. I’ve been homeless for five or so years. I’m still rough sleeping.
I’ve got a dog called Daisy, she’s a half staffy pitbull. I’ve had her for about a year and a half. She’s lovely. I had a dog before that called Buster, but he got put down about three or four months ago. I had him for 16 years.
My favourite thing about him? Oh, it was everything. But the absolute best thing about Buster, he stopped me selling drugs, stopped me shoplifting. I just never ever got in trouble. I didn’t want to get put into prison and then lose my dog. My dog was more important to me.
It was really hard to lose him. It was mad because one minute he was alright, then he got bitten by a bug or something. I took him to the vet and they had to put him down. He’s hopefully in a better place now. But when I came back home, Daisy just got into bed with me and gave me the biggest cuddle, all day and night.
I sell outside John Lewis in Reading. I’ve always lived in Reading. It’s alright, the people are very nice.
There are a lot of people who care about rough sleepers, who come out and give you food and all that. I think that there’s good people and bad people. Some people don’t care, but there are a lot of people who do – they’re the ones who feed you or give you clothes. You’ve got to be grateful for that.
I like my customers a lot. I’ve got my regulars, they’re great. I spend £40 a week on magazines. As long as I make my £40 back every week, I’m good. The problem is that people don’t always take the magazine.
When I’m not selling the magazine, I’m looking after my dad. He’s got dementia. We’ve always been quite close, but when I was on the crack, I never wanted to have anything to do with him. I don’t do that any more.
I had to get clean for my dad. I went out one day to score, and I came back, and it was pissing down with rain. My dad was out just in a T-shirt. I just thought, nah, I ain’t doing this any more.
I’m 48. If I wasn’t selling Big Issue, I’d probably just be sitting outside. I used to beg. People just look at you like you’re scummy. Big Issue is different, people look at you differently. You’re earning your own money, you’re like a little business.
It feels good, because years ago, I had my own asbestos removal business, I had eight people working for me. And then I got hooked on cocaine, and I lost everything through that.
Now I’m clean and it’s me and my dog. I’m happy, I like doing it [selling Big Issue]. And I’m just very grateful for what all my customers do for me. Thank you to them for buying the magazine.
Interview: Lottie Elton; Photos: Exposure Photo Agency
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John Lewis & Partners, Broad Street, Reading, UK