Former Big Issue seller in Taunton shares 'inspiring' life update

A WELL-KNOWN former Big Issue seller has shared an "uplifting" update for his customers in Taunton, thanking them for their support.

Graham Walker, 70, was homeless and sold the Big Issue in Taunton for around five years outside the main Post Office, TK Maxx, and the former Costa — notably wearing a top hat and tails.

Graham, who grew up in children's homes in Bristol, wrote in a Facebook post on Taunton Matters: "I, many years ago, was homeless and sold the Big Issue in Taunton.

"I sometimes dressed in Top Hat and tails. I had a stuffed toy dog and always had an A board in front of me stating 'don't feed the dog he's stuffed' and other pithy comments.

"This is simply a statement to say thank you for your support. Due to that support I now have a permanent home in Paignton with my partner and am living a constructive life; a life I am proud of.

"Yes, thank you Taunton for helping me out on my journey."

The post was met with 2,600 likes, and hundreds of comments from locals happy to learn Graham's "inspiring" story.

Sharing more of his story with the County Gazette, Graham said: "I recently bumped into an old Big Issue customer of mine from Weston-super-Mare who said she'd always wondered what had become of me.

"It got me to thinking that perhaps I ought to give some feedback to the towns who supported me during my Big Issue days. From the five towns I posted to in Somerset and Devon, I was amazed at the responses I received; over 6,000 along with hundreds of wonderful messages of support and positive comments on the impact I'd had on so many people. I was amazed. It really lifted me.

"With most of my childhood spent in Children's homes in Bristol, followed by a number of live-in catering jobs, my whole life had been itinerant.

"That itinerancy became full on when, at 35 I became homeless. For the first three years I just wallowed; aimless and drunk.

"I then found the Big Issue and, although still homeless, the next 15 years selling the Issue proved to be the most positive, rewarding and happiest period of my life.

"During my Big Issue days selling in various towns in Somerset and Devon, in order to repay in some way the support I received from various communities, I, in return, raised over £70,000 for various local charities in towns I visited.

"Due to my fundraising and presence on the street, I was elected Barnstaple's citizen of the year, had a book published, and visited various schools talking about being homeless.

"Eight years ago, a bout of cancer brought my itinerancy to an end. Since that time I still remain working on the streets in Totnes, near to where I now have a permanent home in Paignton.

"Although I think I will always find it difficult living indoors, this is tempered by my standing on the streets of Totnes, interacting with people, doing what I know best, fundraising. Doing what I really enjoy.

"It gives me an essential sense of worth. Since the end of my Big Issue days, I have raised a further £80,000 for various community groups within the area and, although now 70, will continue to do so.

"So yes, I now have a permanent home in Paignton. My partner is an ex-Big Issue customer who, 23 years ago when I was homeless, let me put my tent in her garden.

"We kept in touch and she is now my lifelong partner."

Graham added that there was a "twist in the tale". He said: "When my partner and I got together, I felt really guilty that, although it was, as she says, a loveless marriage, her husband was a good friend of mine.

"Yes, I felt guilty. I needn't of done though because when her husband realised his marriage was over, he felt free to be the person he'd craved to be since his teens. And that was, a woman!

"So my partner and I are happy. Likewise her ex-husband is too and who has now successfully transitioned to a woman and is happily settled in Exeter."

Many Taunton locals responded to Graham's story, with one writing: "This is so lovely to hear.

"I often think of you as I walk through Taunton as I always loved seeing you there and smiling at your dog and the A board.

"I remember then bumping into you in Launceston when living away from home and feeling a bit homesick so seeing you really cheered me up.

"I’m so pleased you are in a much happier and stable place now."