Dean Porter, Age 36, Sainsbury’s, Chelsea Harbour

 
My dog, Star, goes everywhere with me. He’s a Staffy crossed with a Japanese Shiba Inu. He should be terrifying but actually he’s so soft. He’s affectionate and full of beans.

Me and my partner got him – he’s a rescue dog – but we split up recently and I got ownership of him. It’s quite a responsibility. 

I’m sleeping rough and sofa surfing at the moment. I came up to London when my photography business in Margate went under. My equipment was stolen and it was expensive, so I couldn’t replace it. My life spiralled after that. 

I’ve had a few pitches in London, but I’ve just started in Chelsea Harbour. My last pitch was in Mayfair. It’s friendly here and I’m busy preparing for the London to Paris cycle ride in aid of the Big Issue Foundation. 

I saved enough money to buy a bike at Nine Elms market for £80. It’s proper with an aluminium frame. It’s about five years old but still in good condition. I checked with the police just to make sure it wasn’t stolen, which it isn’t, and now I’ve added things like panniers and pedal clips to it. 

Cycling is such a pleasure. It’s exhausting, but it’s a pleasure. I want to do the ride because The Big Issue has helped me and I want to return the favour. 

I’m not exactly the fittest, but I’m looking forward to giving it a shot. I’m hoping to raise £1,400, and I’m up to £471 at the moment. 

I tweet about my progress. I’m always tweeting. I’ve had lots of support through Twitter. I’ve got almost 500 followers and some have donated. Star’s got a Twitter page too. He’s pretty funny at times! 

My Best Moment...

I remember once this very well dressed woman came over and kissed me. It was a full-on snog. She was a bit drunk, but she was very attractive and I thought, 'Phwoar, this is my lucky day!'

To sponsor Dean please visit http://www.justgiving.com/dean-porter0. Follow Dean on Twitter @realdeanporter. To join Dean on the Big Issue London to Paris bike ride go to www.bigissue.org.uk

Interview: Helena Drakakis
Photo: Travis Hodges