Yahoo News Homeless man who stood in the rain to guard stranger's £400 gets huge reward
A homeless man who stood in the rain to guard a stranger’s £400 has been given a sizeable reward for his good deed.
James John McGeown was standing outside a court in Glasgow when he spotted a car window had been left open with £400 in a bag left in “full view”.
He stood outside for two-and-a-half hours waiting for the owner of the vehicle to return before handing the bag into a nearby solicitor’s office.
A grateful John McMonagle, from Clydebank, who had been attending court as a witness with his colleague Alyshia Orford, called the act of kindness “amazing”.
“Homeless James noticed the window down and seen the handbag,” he explained. “He stood in the frozen rain for two-and-a-half hours to make sure no one entered my car.
“He was so cold he took the bag and rummaged through it to see if there was any ID.”
When he couldn’t find any identification, James gave the bag to the receptionist at the solicitor’s office, who then phoned the police.
“This man is homeless and alcohol dependent and an absolute gentleman,” added Mr McMonagle.
“We were even having some banter on realising I follow the opposite Glasgow team from him, he said, ‘if I knew that I would have taken the bag!’.”
Hundreds have so far donated to the online campaign, helping to raise more than £4,000 for James.
“We are raising money for James and homeless people in Glasgow and Clydebank,” the appeal says.
“The money will be entrusted to John McMonagle to use for the above - also the first £5,000 will go exclusively James.”
Donator Julie Elliott wrote: “How can you deny helping any honest person, in a time of need. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a bright future!”
Julie Brooks wrote: “It's so nice to know there is still nice people out there with good hearts. Hope this helps to change his life.”
