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.
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."
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.
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.
"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.