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‘I was pathetic’

Ex-serviceman who was a suicidal homeless drunk meets Good Samaritan who turned his life around

Stephen Finlayson saw homeless Phil Webb lying drunk in the road and decided to help him change his life

WHEN ex-serviceman Phil Webb lost his job and his marriage broke down, he turned to drink and was left sleeping on the streets.

But when fitness trainer Stephen Finlayson saw him lying drunk in the middle of the road, he knew he had to do something and took him to a local B&B before giving him information about support groups.

This is the moment former homeless man Phil Webb meets good Samaritan Stephen Finlayson who helped him turn his life around
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This is the moment former homeless man Phil Webb meets good Samaritan Stephen Finlayson who helped him turn his life aroundCredit: BBC One
The pair have been reunited for a BBC programme, 18 months after they first met
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The pair have been reunited for a BBC programme, 18 months after they first metCredit: BBC One

Now, Phil, from Carlisle, has managed to change his life around and is a social studies teacher and has also starred in a play.

And 18 months on, the 58-year-old has had an emotional meeting with good Samaritan Stephen so he could thank him for helping him to turn his life around.

In a special programme for , Phil a former gunner in the Royal Artillery, recalls how he was contemplating suicide as he was forced to sleep on the streets of Carlisle.

Stephen saw Phil, who was homeless and an alcoholic, lying in the middle of the road in Carlisle and knew he wanted to help
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Stephen saw Phil, who was homeless and an alcoholic, lying in the middle of the road in Carlisle and knew he wanted to helpCredit: BBC One
Former homeless man Phil Webb, left, is reunited with good Samaritan Stephen Webb who helped to save his life
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Former homeless man Phil Webb, left, is reunited with good Samaritan Stephen Webb who helped to save his lifeCredit: BBC One

The father-of-four said: "It was raining, I remember, and cold, and I felt pathetic. I was pathetic.

"I went into an archway and started drinking. I sat with my head down. I didn't want anyone to see me and I didn't want to see anybody else.

"I just thought, I didn't want to commit suicide, but if I wouldn't have woke up I wouldn't have been bothered."

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However, 36-year-old Stephen saw Phil lying on the street as he walked past and felt compelled to help.

Phil added: "This fella tapped me on the shoulder and said: 'Look mate, I don't usually help homeless people, but something told me to help you.

"'Come with me. We'll put you up for the night and we'll talk in the morning.'"

After spending the night in the B&B, Phil was then put in touch with the Royal British Legion who helped him to find accommodation.

Phil then told Stephen how his actions that night helped to save his life
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Phil then told Stephen how his actions that night helped to save his lifeCredit: BBC One
Phil tells Stephen that he cant thank him enough for rescuing him from the streets 18 months ago
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Phil tells Stephen that he cant thank him enough for rescuing him from the streets 18 months agoCredit: BBC One
Fitness trainer Stephen is reduced to tears after hearing from Phil how his actions helped to save his life
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Fitness trainer Stephen is reduced to tears after hearing from Phil how his actions helped to save his lifeCredit: BBC One

He stopped drinking and started a course in IT and social studies before appearing in a play at Newcastle's Theatre Royal about ex-squaddies called 'Wor Stories'.

And now the pair have met up for the first time since the night they first saw each other.

In scenes that will be aired on Inside Out, Phil and Stephen share a tearful cuddle before saying how good it is to see each other.

Phil tells Stephen: "I just want to tell you what you've done for me. You've done everything for me.

"I just thought I couldn't get any lower and didn't really have friends.

Phil now has his own accommodation after being helped by the Royal British Legion
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Phil now has his own accommodation after being helped by the Royal British LegionCredit: Newcastle Chronicle
Phil, an ex-serviceman is now back on his feet and is a teacher of social studies and has also appeared in a play
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Phil, an ex-serviceman is now back on his feet and is a teacher of social studies and has also appeared in a playCredit: Newcastle Chronicle

"I can't thank you enough. I really can't. You changed my life."

Phil and Stephen's story will be shown tonight on Inside Out on BBC One North East and Cumbria at 7.30pm and afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

Last month, we reported how a homeless man offered his coat and duvet to a young couple who had missed their train and later had his life turned around by them.

We also told how a kind-hearted policeman arranged for free KFC meals to be delivered to homeless people living under a bridge on the M62 motorway in Manchester.

 

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