Every year, during the holy month of Ramadan, I choose a particular charity to donate to.

This year I am raising money for Liam. Liam is a homeless man I met 6 months ago outside a supermarket. The first time I approached Liam, I asked him if he would like some food, he asked me if I was Muslim, to which I responded ‘yes’. He said, if you wouldn’t mind I would like a chicken sandwich. I later realised that because I am muslim Liam did not want to ask me to buy his favourite pork sausage roll, as he knows it’s something Muslims do not eat themselves. I was taken aback by his thoughtfulness.

Over the last 6 months I have seen Liam at least once a week. I have learnt he has children who do not know he is homeless. He does the school run. He once told me how to fix my car, he said he worked for a mechanic for a few years. He has a sense of humor and causes no trouble to anyone.

Every evening Liam sits outside the supermarket, hoping to raise £20 to stay at a local hostel. For every night he doesn’t make enough money, he sleeps under a bridge. Liam was outside the supermarket on Christmas Eve.

Liam is on the waiting list for a council place, and without an address he cannot get a job. The most recent place he viewed, he was asked for £820 as a deposit and 1 months rent. He had to turn it down because he didn’t have the money.

This month I have decided to raise this money for Liam. He has no idea I am doing this. I will pay this straight to the housing association and ensure it goes to housing a homeless man. Anything remaining will go towards rent, clothing and food for Liam.

Any donations would be much appreciated.

Thaminah