Josh Ellie was once a frequent fixture outside the Greggs on Kirstall road. He was addicted to drugs for nearly two years, struggling with dependencies on spice and cocaine and sleeping rough.
During this tough period, whenever Greggs' store manager Shelagh saw him outside she would buy him breakfast and a hot drink - a gesture he says helped to save his life whilst he was sleeping rough.
Over the past four months he’s managed to turn his life around, thanks in part to help of Leeds charity Vulnerable Citizen Support.
Fronted by Pudsey local Hayden Lee Jessop, the charity picked him up outside Greggs, found him housing and helped him to start work as a landscaper.
Ellis has now been clean of cocaine and spice for over 124 days.
Greggs on Kirkstall road
Having come so far, he went back to thank Shelagh for the help she gave during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
He told her: “I want to say thank you for what you did buying me breakfast each morning.”
Shelagh couldn’t believe how much he had changed, adding that he isn’t just inspiring himself but others around the UK too.
The charity, who’s slogan is “homeless not helpless”, was founded by Jessop at the start of 2020.
A reformed criminal himself, Jessop spent time in prison in 2013 for violence and drugs. Having turned his own life around, he now wants to help others do the same.
He has spent the past year building temporary homes out of shipping containers and helping addicts get clean as part of a one year detox programme.
The charity also provides food parcels to local individuals and families in need.
Photographs of Josh’s reunion with Shelagh have been circulating on social media, with many praising his recovery.
Leeds
You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Georgina Pellant -
28th April 2021 
