See all 2 images A volunteer for the homeless has been nominated for the Watford Observer Community Heroes Award.
Stephen Russell of Homeless Warriors in Watford was recommended for the award by fellow supporter and member of the online group Laura Santry for his “caring and selfless” work helping people on the street.
He was also diagnosed with epilepsy.
Soon after that, Stephen was evicted from his home.
He said: “It was extremely stressful, and we ended up in Watford Travelodge.
“Luckily, we were moved into temporary accommodation quite quickly – it was in the Travelodge that I saw one of the rough sleepers walk past and I thought we had it bad.” Stephen had been volunteering at Hertfordshire Mind Network gaining practical experience in mental health.
These events, the death of his father in 2017 and a book called Way of the Peaceful Warrior inspired him to start his organisation.
In recent weeks during record-breaking high temperatures, Stephen said he handed out around 1,000 bottles of water with his son, Max.
On his website, Stephen says: “Warriors are gaining momentum but controlling our growth.
“Not only are we looking to help our rough sleeping friends but also those in vulnerable housing.” He goes on to say the organisation hopes to get enough funding for an electric coffee cart.