Arran Martakies, Park Place, Cardiff: ‘If I didn’t have Big Issue I’d probably be dead’
Arran has turned his life around and is now, by his own admission, a 'happy-go-lucky guy'
Image: Tom Watts
I’ve been doing Big Issue for about 25 years on and off. I got asked if I would like to do it and they said it was promoting a magazine but it helps you financially. I thought to myself: I’ll give it a go. When I first started, because I was a newcomer I didn’t sell very well but I’ve become a good seller. I allow people to hear my voice and I promote the magazine pretty well, I think.
My customers help me quite a lot because I have got quite a lot of regulars. I’ve got one regular who comes in every day and buys the same magazine every day. I’ve got very loyal customers and the shops help me as well with food, coffee.
I’ve had problems with drugs. I ended up relapsing and with my mental health I lost control and tried to commit suicide a few times. It’s taken me 10 years to get to where I am right now. Because of drugs, I wasn’t this type of person I am today 10 years ago.
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I was in and out of prison at the time but I’ve learned from those times. Coming out of prison and trying to find a place to live, there was the hostel situation and then outreach helped me and got me a flat which I’ve had now for five years.
If I didn’t have Big Issue, I’d probably be back on the drugs. I’d probably be dead. But now I’m earning my money and spending it on things I need like clothes. Like Big Issue says: it’s a hand up, not a handout. I persevere and my customers will come.
Doing Big Issue helps me financially because I can’t really afford gas and electric because the tariff is quite high. When I was living on the streets I found it a lot easier because I didn’t have to pay for nothing.
I was on the streets for three or four years. I started mixing with other people, the wrong people and then there was a person I got really into. She really helped me a lot. She was on the streets as well. And then we lost contact five years ago when I got my flat. We reconnected not long ago. Now we are together as a couple. My life is going up in the world slowly. Up and up and up.
I do see my kids but I’m not with their mum. I have two girls and a boy. I’ve got a daughter who manages a toy shop and another who does kickboxing. For them to be like that has given me a lot of strength and confidence in myself. I’ve taught them well.
I do a lot of walking. I like to keep active, to keep fit. I walk 8.4 miles a day and you can imagine how many steps I’m doing backwards and forwards on my pitch as well. I’m a happy-go-lucky guy.
I’ve got a lot of respect for people and people have got a lot of respect for me. People do blank you and look down on you but I’m not that kind of one who would criticise anyone. I still thank them, say have a good day and God bless you. No matter who you are.
Interview: Adrian Lobb
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Park Place, Cardiff, UK