A hotel owner has offered up one of his rooms to a former teacher who has been living in a tent for more than a year.
Sean Readett, owner of The Victoria Hotel in Barrow, felt inspired to offer a helping hand when he read about Lewis Leeming’s story in in-Cumbria sister title, The Mail. 

Mr Leeming was left homeless when he was evicted from his accommodation 14 months ago.
The 37-year-old worked as a music teacher for more than 16 years before he was left homeless and forced to sleep in his car. 

Since then, Mr Leeming has been living in a tent in a woodland area of Broughton. 

Mr Readett, who has been accepting homeless people into his hotel for the past 20 years, felt ‘heartbroken’ after reading Mr Leeming’s story.

“I’ve been extremely lucky in my life in that I was blessed with a roof over my head and a loving family,” he said. 

“Unfortunately a lot of people don’t have that and I wanted to help those who were suffering.”

Mr Readett said he had helped house more than 750 vulnerable people over the past two decades. 

“I feel very proud of that figure,” he said.

“I see the hotel as a sort of stepping stone house towards helping people get back on their feet. 

“Some people stay for a week, some for years - it varies.

“But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. 

“I’ve seen some people completely turn their life around by getting back to work, moving into a flat and having a family.

“It’s so rewarding to see that. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

Mr Readett was ‘heartbroken’ when he heard about Mr Leeming’s story and felt compelled to help.

“I was told about Lewis yesterday and immediately wanted to help,” he said.

“I see lots of professionals pass through the hotel.

“Homelessness doesn’t just affect one group of people.

“It’s heartbreaking to see but I want to help in whatever way I can to help him back on his feet.”

The Victoria Hotel is extending its rooms to house more homeless people in the future. 

“We’re adding on four more rooms soon,” said Mr Readett.

“I already have a waiting list of 13 people which we desperately want to house.”