Homeless man given surprise street party
KINDHEARTED strangers threw a surprise party for a homeless man.
Steve is a well known face in Cheetham Hill and is often spotted with his dog Tyson in a disused phone booth by the TSB bank.
Normally, the 46-year-old would spend his birthdays alone. But this year, Steve celebrated with cakes and balloons and was given cards and gifts.
Mum-of-three Shalva Moussa was one the organisers behind the party, which took place on Tuesday outside Martins Bakery on Cheetham Hill Road.
She said: “He was so overwhelmed. Steve is a lovely man. He’s always sitting in the phone booth near the bank and is really friendly.
“He never asks for money, he just sits there with his dog and talks to passers-by.
“He’s a really nice guy and you can have some really interesting conversations with him about different things. A few months ago, we were talking – I always get him something, food or a hot drink – and he told me he’d never had a proper birthday party and couldn’t remember the last time he’d celebrated with anyone.
“He told me he’d find a candle for himself from somewhere, light it and blow it out. Last year, he spent it alone in tears. The vision of that broke my heart, I was determined to not let it happen this year.”
Shalva, 35, along with a few friends, got together and organised the party for Steve.
She added: “It as a semi-surprise. He had heard we were planning something.
“I decorated the phone booth with balloons for him, we got him presents and cards.It was really overwhelming for him but he’s a special guy and it was a pleasure and honour to make him feel good on his birthday.
“Steve always thinks other people are giving to him but it’s actually him giving to us.
“Thankfully, he’s on the right pathways now and is hoping to find a home soon.”