TRIBUTES have been paid to a brave man who shared his story of homelessness to raise awareness and funds.

Wayne Hardisty was a resident at homeless hostel Calderwood House in Egremont for a couple of months in 2018.

Now the hostel is helping Mr Hardisty’s family raise money to pay for his funeral.

Mr Hardisty died at the age of 41 after he hit his head following a seizure at his home.

He had left the homeless hostel and had been living closer to his family since August 2019.

Calderwood House shared Mr Hardisty’s words from a speech he gave at a hostel’s party in 2018.

Rachel Holliday, director at Calderwood House, said: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of veteran resident Wayne Hardisty.

“Wayne was brave enough to share his story of homelessness with nearly 300 people at our Calderwood House Party in 2018.

“Wayne was a great resident and his words on that night touched the hearts of many.”

Mr Hardisty’s speech said: “I have suffered from depression for 20 years and earlier this year it became a lot worse and my relationship broke down and rendered me homeless.

“It was my lowest point.

“It was at this point I decided I needed help and through various channels I ended up at Calderwood House.

“Initially I was embarrassed to be there, having been in the army at the age of 17, I never anticipated at 39 I would end up in a homeless hostel.

“To end up in Calderwood House you know something has gone wrong in your life, but believe me there is no better place to go when you are down on your luck.

“Thanks to the help, support and guidance of Calderwood House my future is more optimistic and I know if I have a bad day I can also drop back on them at any point.

“Nobody in this room knows what is around the corner and anyone could find themselves in a similar position at any time.”

Mr Hardisty had also helped Calderwood House raise money for the hostel.

Now £2,750 are needed to be able to pay for his funeral.

Around £350 has been raised so far.

Calderwood House Calderwood provides support around the clock for those in need of accommodation.

It prioritises ex military personnel in particular.

The hostel is funded by Corporate Social Sponsorship, rental income and fundraising initiatives.

To donate to the fund set up in memory of Mr Hardisty to pay for his funeral visit the website: www.goldengiving.com/fundraising/in-memory-wayne-hardisty