Homeless woman in Glasgow turns life around thanks to kind locals

A woman who ended up on the streets after moving to Glasgow is now off to university to follow her dreams and study music.

Kloe Revell from Cornwall was living in a homeless unit in Biggar after losing her job but had a stroke of luck when she was offered a job at the Hilton on Glasgow's William Street.

The 34-year-old took the chance and moved to Glasgow where she met kind locals that helped her turn her life around. Despite taking the job she was still sleeping on the streets until a colleague spotted her at the four corners and offered her a place to stay, which was the first step in changing her life.

Speaking to Glasgow Live she said: "I had just lost my job. I was desperate to turn my life around.

"It was the Hilton on William Street that gave me a job during the Commonwealth Games. I travelled to Glasgow and quickly realised I didn't have the money to afford to travel back and forth from Lanark.

"I ended up sleeping rough in Glasgow while working.

"A colleague saw me sitting at the McDonalds at the Four Corners with a cup of tea. They asked why I wasn't at home and if I was on a night out. I had to explain to them that I didn't have anywhere to go.

"They gave me a room in the hotel to stay in while I was working to save money, then eventually I was able to move to Anniesland."

After a decade of living in the Scots city, the musician faced many mental health struggles but managed to overcome them and her desire to change her life only grew stronger.

She says her positive mindset was thanks to support from kind Glaswegians who wanted to see the passionate music lover succeed.

Kloe explained: "I have always found it hard to fit n. But when I got off that train in 2014 I was met with really friendly Glaswegians. I couldn't fully understand the accent at the time but they helped me navigate around the city.

"I realised that people do make Glasgow. I'm also into my music and the scene here is so passionate.

"Everyone is so supportive."

As the pandemic hit, Kloe decided lockdown was the ideal opportunity to quit her nine-to-five job and return to education at Glasgow Clyde College.

Finally, she said: "For the past few years I've been studying music and I recently got my HND. This has allowed me to express myself.

"I feel like people battling with their mental health are not expected to achieve anything but I want to change that. With the right support, it is always possible to hit your goals."

The formerly homeless student is now looking forward to studying music at Falmouth University, back in her native Cornwall. However, it's Scotland's biggest city that she credits with giving her the confidence to pursue higher education.

Kloe added: "When I first came here I felt so disconnected. Glasgow has reshaped me and it has allowed me to grow as a person.

"It will always be home to me because I've gone through several things in this city but I'm still standing. The people of Glasgow have made me strong.

"I've met so many friends here. I feel the passion and drive I've felt here has pushed me. Glasgow is a tough city but it is also very rewarding."

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