Homeless man, 28, is housed for Christmas, receiving enough money for six months’ rent and a deposit after a £5,600 GoFundMe campaign started for him by a stranger who took him for a pub lunch goes viral on Twitter

  • Harry Beardsley, 28 and John, 28, met each other on the street of Reading, Berkshire.
  • After they had a long conversation at a pub, he set up a GoFundMe account.
  • The page has since raised £5,600 which is enough to rent a room to live in
  • John (whose surname remains unknown) was also offered a trial job










A homeless man has received enough money for six months’ rent and a deposit in just 24 hours after a stranger who took him for lunch set up a viral GoFundMe campaign. 

Harry Beardsley, 28 years old, met John on the streets and invited him to eat at his home and play pool in a Reading pub.

After hours of conversation, Mr Beardsley agreed to cover a couple nights’ accommodation for John so he wouldn’t be sleeping rough during Christmas.

The post was posted on Twitter by the author, who set up GoFundMe. It received more than 15,000 replies in 24 hours. 

The page has since raised £5,600 – enough to rent a room, buy clothes, and even get a haircut. Since then, Mr Beardsley closed the page to further donations.

According to the cricket content creator, he couldn’t believe his generosity. It’s amazing!

Harry Beardsley met John (pictured), 28, on the street and took him for lunch and for a game of pool at a pub in Reading, Berkshire

Harry Beardsley met John, 28 (pictured), in the street. He took John to lunch and to a bar in Reading, Berkshire for a game.

After chatting for hours, Mr Beardsley decided to pay for a few nights accommodation so John wouldn't have to sleep rough over Christmas

After hours of conversation, Mr Beardsley agreed to cover a couple nights’ accommodation for John so he wouldn’t be sleeping rough this Christmas.

He stated that he was “Absolutely Overwhelmed with His Support!” Because we have sufficient funds to pay a deposit and 6 months rent, as well as some cash to help him get sorted, we have decided not donate.

“He also has an offer for a job! Later today, we will be going to some locations. We are grateful to all who have helped. 

John was offered a day of trial at Woodley’s scaffolding company, and the possibility of being hired. 

Places Leisure provided John with a free three-month gym membership and life coaching from a second supporter. 

John stated in video posted by Mr Beardsley: “Thank you for housing my Christmas.” Thank you, I have never been without anything.

Mr Beardsley (pictured) decided to help John after meeting up by chance in Reading

John was contacted by Mr Beardsley, who decided to help him after meeting at random in Reading 

Mr Beardsley set up a GoFundMe and posted it on Twitter, with the post receiving more than 15,000 retweets in less than 24 hours

The post was posted on Twitter by Mr Beardsley, who set up GoFundMe. It received more than 15,000 replies in 24 hours.

The page has since raised £5,600 - enough to rent a room, buy clothes, and even get a haircut. Mr Beardsley has closed the page to more donations

The page has since raised £5,600 – enough to rent a room, buy clothes, and even get a haircut. To encourage more donations, Mr Beardsley closed the page.

The cricketing content creator said he 'honestly cannot get over the generosity! What a platform'

He said that he could not believe the kindness of his cricket content creator. This is one platform.

One comment offered John a trial shift at a scaffolding company in Woodley

John received a test shift from a Woodley scaffolding company as a comment.

Annie Amiss said: 'This is such a brilliant story* John sounds like a nice young man and I do hope this will be the start of a brighter future for him'

Annie Amiss said: ‘This is such a brilliant story* John sounds like a nice young man and I do hope this will be the start of a brighter future for him’

“I will rent a house and find a job. Everyone, I wish you all a wonderful 2022.

He added that his appeal had received 50,000 hits in just 24 hours. 

Annie Amiss said: ‘This is such a brilliant story* John sounds like a nice young man and I do hope this will be the start of a brighter future for him.’

@Thatbuilder7 added, “You have restored our faith in humanity Harry.”

Steve Devonport wrote: “Steerling work, sir. I salute and respect you!” We need more people like yours in this world.

@Dannkayy said another: The working class should look after the working classes. 

Advertisement