Justin Fisher, Tesco Express, Weston, Bath

Photos: Hattie Greenyer

I split up with my girlfriend and became homeless on the streets and I am still homeless on the streets. But Big Issue saved the day with being able to earn an income and giving me something to do. They bought me some new boots, they’ve offered me many things and offered me camping gear, anything that I need.

I’ve been selling the magazine for about eight months. I seriously enjoy selling it, I find it very therapeutic. For someone who has got mental health issues: depression, anxiety, PTSD and all that, I find it therapeutic. I didn’t think I’d be able to deal with the public but I enjoy interacting with people. I’m starting to get a few regulars now, it has taken a while. People donate dog food and dog biscuits and offer to buy me stuff if I need it – extremely helpful.

I was on my pitch recently and I was attacked by two blokes on the street who tried stealing my dog. These people were claiming that it was theirs. If it wasn’t for the public on the high street they would have got the dog too. I’m absolutely fine – loads of people were screaming and shouting at them. I was a bit worried I might lose my pitch but the boss at Tesco said it was fine and he knew it was nothing to do with me.

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I have a good relationship with Tesco staff. I talk to all the security guards in there, they all like me; the locals who shop here like me too. One of the security guards said to me: “People like you, don’t they?” I said: “I don’t know about that.” He said: “They do, they come in here and they tell us.”

I’ve got two dogs: my dog Marley – he’s a Staffordshire bull terrier. The other dog Ginger – who’s a cockapoo – is not my dog, it’s my girlfriend’s. I’ve had Marley 10 years and Ginger’s four, but my girlfriend’s had her two years. They’re popular on my pitch every day. I wouldn’t be here without my dogs – I love my dogs. They’re both cuddled up to me right now. The dogs do love the people – they’re really needy, they love the attention. They are the only company I’ve got on the street.

I’m a big fan of animals, I love birds and nature. I used to be a semi-professional horse rider. I did gymkhanas and showjumping from when I was four until I was about 17. I did competitions like the Bath West show and local gymkhanas, anything to do with horse riding. I’ve been around animals all my life, I used to work on farms as a kid. I come from the countryside.

I’ve been on the street for about a year. I was doing a bit of begging, trying to make ends meet and, at the time, I didn’t realise I was sat on a Big Issue spot. The guy came round from Big Issue and said: “Why don’t you sell that?” I thought, why not? I didn’t realise it was that easy for me to do. I don’t think a lot of people do realise that actually. It’s a lot different from begging. It’s not just waiting for people to give you money, it gives you structure. I can actually sell and advertise something. Call to the people, so to speak. 

Eventually I’d like to get indoors but it’s quite hard to get somewhere with a dog and I will not get rid of them. That’s non-negotiable. It can be difficult on the street at times. I don’t think it’s as difficult for me because I’ve got the two dogs, the sales of Big Issue and the public. It’s not as tough as it is for other people. I’d quite like to get some sort of funding to build my own electrical trike with a homemade caravan on the back for me and the dogs to live in. I’d be quite happy like that.

I want to thank all the people that buy the magazines and support me and the dogs with a bit of dog food and sandwiches and stuff. Tell you the truth, I thought the public spirit had gone away in the 1980s but it actually hasn’t. It’s restored my faith in humanity.

Interview: Liam Geraghty

Tesco Express, High Street, Upper Weston, Bath, UK