Charlie is 59 years old. Nine years ago he was struggling to pay his flat rent with the wages he was earning. Feeling that he could not go on much longer with the bills continually mounting up he made a dramatic decision – to leave the flat and sleep rough in Leicester. BBC Radio Leicester reporter Bridget Blair went to speak to Charlie who gave her a tour round the park he calls home… Before taking the life-chaining step Charlie did a bit of research, speaking to a man already in a similar situation about survival tips. Amongst his mentors best advice was, "When you're sleeping rough you've got to have one eye open and one eye closed, just in case anyone comes up behind you and hassles you..."
Now Charlie lives in one of Leicester's city Parks, and carries his worldly possessions with him – a kit that includes a spare change of clothes, a toothbrush and his shaving bits. Despite the often harsh weather conditions that grace Leicester, Charlie believes that he is very healthy. Perhaps it's the walking that helps as he estimates he makes between 10 and 15 circuits of the park a day! Charlie admits that he does get a bit lonely on occasion but he still wouldn't have it any other way: "I've got my independence now… I've lived outside now and that's how I intend to be. I'd rather die outside." | 
