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
Beloved late night Leeds cocktail bar The Maven announces permanent closure
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
28th April 2021 
