Bridgwater homeless man given work hopes his story will inspire

When Mark Hamblin wrote the words “work wanted” on a scrap of cardboard while begging on the streets of Bridgwater he did not expect the response he received, going viral on social media.

The tradesman, who had found himself suddenly homeless, was photographed with the sign in a local online paper. His story went on to get more than 100,000 views on TikTok and he got dozens of job offers.

Now he is working for a roofing firm in Somerset.

“I’m really grateful for the guy who employed me,” Mr Hamblin said. “I am really grateful to the guy that took that photograph and put it on Bridgwater Matters. There might be other people out there that can take inspiration from this story.”

Mr Hamblin was also offered jobs across Europe and further afield but chose to work in Somerset.

However, despite now being employed, he is still living in his van, which he says for now he does not mind. Mr Hamblin says the whole experience of being homeless has been humbling.

He recalls that when he was asking for money one evening in Bridgwater, an 18-year-old woman gave him a £20 note and said “you need that more than me”.

Mr Hamblin said it made him “burst into tears” and reminded him there are “some good people out there”.

Reflecting on his time on the streets, he told BBC Radio Somerset: “It’s made me look at things a bit differently, it can be taken away just like that.

“You know people are forgetful about that point.

“You’re not always going to be sitting pretty, life throws things at you and you don't expect it in any way whatsoever and it changes your life forever”.