A MAN who has spent decades living­ in a tent has thanked people in Aberystwyth for their kindness after he finally found a home.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Stevan Williamson, 50, who described the “depressing” reality of being homeless, said he also encountered “amazing” generosity while living rough in Aberystwyth for the past six months.

“Psychologically it is quite depressing having mice and rats coming and stealing your food,” said Stevan, who returned to Aberystwyth after spending eight years in Kent.

“Sometimes living in a tent in the woods was very lonely.

“I would go to the ‘whispering wall’ – the semi-circular shelter with benches inside, near Castle Point – and listen to Radio 4.

“People would come past, some would give me money, food, blankets, sometimes even just a smile.

“One lady used to come past the shelter on a Monday night, and if I was in there she would go and come back with sausage and chips.

“It was amazing. People were so generous. I did that for about six months.”

Despite people’s generosity, Stevan said he realised he couldn’t live like that for much longer.

“It was rough; very, very rough. Very depressing.

“My health deteriorated. I thought ‘I am getting too old for this, I want to sort my life out’.”

Stevan sought help at the local branch of The Wallich, a homeless charity which recently found a home for him and Jack, his beloved 12-year-old border collie Labrador cross.

See this week’s Aberystwyth paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now