After going missing for over a year, a local man who used to work in IT near Leeds has been found sleeping rough in Lapland
Nial Atkin went missing in mid-May 2020 from the Huddersfield area, having previously worked close to Leeds in a role with computers.
Until recently, it was believed by both his family and police that he may have travelled to Scotland following a breakdown.
However, it turns out the beleaguered Brit had managed to make it over 2,000 miles away from home - ending up in Lapland, of all places.
Jerry Ahlqvist found Nial in a confused state and offered him a bed and a shower / Image: Facebook
Last Friday, July 9, he was found by a man living in Kiruna, Sweden, who offered the rough sleeper a shower and a clean bed out of concern for his welfare.
Jerry Ahlqvist then took to Facebook to appeal for help to reunite the mysterious homeless Brit with his family, noting that the man was "acting a bit strange" and seemed "confused".
He said ‘I brought him home and cleaned him, gave him some food and new clothes, and a clean bed to sleep in.
‘He is kind of hard to communicate with, he gets lost in his thoughts, takes a long time to answer questions and he just stares into nothing.
An image of Nial issued by West Yorkshire Policein May 2020 (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
‘He has told me some information about himself but he ends every sentence with ‘sort of’ so the information can also be incorrect.’
The post also mentioned Nial's name and that he used to work in an IT role near Leeds and that he was raised in West Yorkshire.
Later, Jerry also set up a Go Fund Me to help pay for flights to get Nial back home to England
It took Jerry some time to locate Nial's family, but finally, he managed to get in touch with his mum who was blown away to receive the message.
Nial disappeared from Huddersfield before being found in Lapland last week (Image: Facebook)
He then put a new post out which read: "UPDATE! We have found his mother and I have spoken with her on the phone."
"Everything will be sorted out.
"The thing is that Nial is in a psychotic state and he does not know what he wants or what’s best for him. But we will figure this out.
"His mother knows and understands because she has a psychiatric education and I know and understand because I have myself gone through treatment for schizophrenia and have suffered psychosis myself so I saw the signs from across the streets."
He added: "Everything will be okay and we will try to get the proper treatment for him!
"THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT! We did it!"
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2021 
