David Popa, Tesco, Aston Lane, Birmingham

My name is David Popa. I speak Spanish and Romanian, and a little bit of English.

I’ve also been working with Big Issue for two years. Big Issue has helped me a lot with finding a job because before, I didn’t have a job – now I do. Every day, I sell magazines. It’s a pleasure for me. I really enjoy selling them. 

Before this, my life was normal. I would wake up and either go play football or go to school. But I didn’t have a job, or any organisation to support me. Then, thanks to a friend – someone I knew from a company that helps people find work – I found Big Issue. 

I’m really happy to have Big Issue’s support and kindness. They’ve helped me so many times – with vouchers for electricity, gas, with magazines, with food. That support means a lot to me. I’m very grateful to the Big Issue team. Lots of people have helped me – especially in the area where I sell. They’ve supported me with magazines, food… people have given me clothes and many other things. 

I have a very special memory from selling the magazine. I have a friend named Donna. We’ve known each other for a year. She used to come to my pitch every day – buy a magazine, bring me food, talk to me, keep me company. She didn’t have much family – she was alone. 

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

One day, she asked when my birthday was. I told her it was 21 January. She said hers was 28 February. 

This year, on 28 February, I went to Tesco, bought a cake, some candles, flowers, Coca-Cola and a birthday card. I put everything in a bag and went to Donna’s house. She couldn’t come to Tesco that day because her legs hurt, but I knew where she lived. I knocked on the door. Her grandma answered, and then Donna saw me and was so happy. I said: “I have a gift for you.” 

She said: “You didn’t have to, David!” But I gave her the flowers, chocolates and cake. She was so, so happy. She invited me in, set the table, brought out forks and plates. We lit the candles and sang Happy Birthday together. Then we cut the cake and shared it. Donna gave me a hug and I hugged her back.  

The biggest problem with selling the magazine is the weather. It’s really cold in the UK and it rains a lot. I’ve also had some problems with other homeless people, but mostly it’s the weather. 

What keeps me going is that I want to fight for my future. I want to have a better life. I don’t want to give up – I want to reach my dreams. 

I’m scared I won’t find a job, scared I won’t move forward in life, scared of the future. There are a lot of problems if we don’t work hard to overcome them. It can be really tough some days. 

Since I started selling the magazine, my dream has been to build a better life, to have my own house, to help my father and mother and to one day have a family of my own. I want to get married, have everything I need. 

I’m proud that I sell magazines instead of giving up. Every day I sell magazines. I like helping people, I’m positive and I don’t like quitting. I feel really good about myself for keeping going, for not falling into a bad path. I feel good about what I’m doing. 

I want people to know that you can start from nothing and still build something little by little. You can have your own job, your family, your place. Never give up on your dreams, fight for them. You can get where you want in life if you really want it. Life can be beautiful and special – if you work for it. 

Interview, translation and photo: Juliette Pedram

Tesco Superstore, Aston Lane, Aston, Birmingham, UK