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
Iconic band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Here’s 10 of the best places to visit in Farsley at the weekend
Clementine Hall
Farsley is one of Leeds' most beloved suburbs, and it's not hard to see why.
Drenched in history and industrial heritage, Farsley has a lot to say for itself and is overflowing with things to see and do.
It has a real community feel to it which you can feel almost instantly, and it's filled with loads of independent businesses which makes Farsley the perfect spot to explore at the weekend.
Here are our top picks of what to do in this this up-and-coming suburb of Leeds this weekend.
Westroyd Park is a beautiful green gem situated in the heart of Farsley. A sprawling expanse of greenery featuring free tennis courts and colourful gardens with the lovely West Royd House at its centre.
Thanks to the brass band that play every weekend, the park really comes alive throughout the summer making it the perfect place to bring a picnic, relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Sunny Bank Mills
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational commercial and cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley. Founded in 1829, these beautifully restored mills are now home to a range of independent organisations both large and small.
Visit their 3,000 square foot art gallery and view the work of local artists, designers and makers. You can buy many of the pieces on display or have a go yourself at one of their many workshops and creative courses.
Grumpy's
2 Old Combing, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5UJ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tucked away inside Sunny Bank Mills, Grumpy’s has built a huge reputation for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, laid-back atmosphere, that more or less has a proper community feel at the forefront.
Created by sisters Alex and Cassie, the family-run restaurant was even named after their dad, 'Grumpy' himself, and that personal touch runs through everything they do.
'Community, friendship and good beer' are Amity's ethos. Opening in December 2020 they have quickly become a Farsley favourite. Located in the Sunny Bank Mills, the brewpub serves limited batch beer on-site to their local community, focusing on modernised takes on classic beer styles.
La Grassa
Inside Amity Brew Co.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
La Grassa is a new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Silver's Bakehouse
62 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5LF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste. Expect focaccia sandwiches, gooey brownies, chewy cookies and loads more.
Pardon Me
Unit 12, The Twisting, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, LS28 5UJ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Tucked away in the beautiful Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is a record bar built around 'music, atmosphere, and detail'.
It's been launched by Scott Rapson, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with music around the time of the arrival of hip hop in the early 80s. Bartenders here create a small but perfectly formed menu of cocktails and pour natural wines from Wayward Wines in front of a wall of vinyl, while a collection of Scott's records play as a soundtrack to your evening.
Cargo Wines
Sunny Bank Mills
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after a proper nice wine bar then this is the spot for you. They've got a wine for everyone in a gorgeous, chilled out atmosphere. If you need us, we're probably here.
St Jude's
69 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5HX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after some lovely brunch and a cup of coffee, then look no further than St Jude's. This fabulous all-day dining spot serve up a really varied menu so everything that can get something they fancy.
Georgina Pellant -
28th April 2021 
