Sheffield woman raises cash to say thank you to charity for the homeless

Gemma Okrasa-Priestley was 17 years old when she was facing the prospect of life on the streets.

She had not lived at home since she was 15 and got into difficulty after struggling to pay the rent for her own flat and ending up in a bed and breakfast, which she was evicted from for eating a takeaway in her room.

Gemma, now a mum with a career, was referred to the charity Roundabout after two days without a roof over her head.

To say thank you she has organised a fundraising raffle, with prizes including Sheffield Wednesday tickets, shopping vouchers and Ice Sheffield tickets up for grabs.

She said at her lowest ebb she ‘had nobody and nobody seemed to care’, she had no money and no food.

Gemma used to self-harm as she struggled to cope.

Roundabout supports 150 homeless young people every day runs the only emergency hostel in Sheffield for young people.

“I was scared but the staff made me feel welcome and introduced me to other residents, their support was 24/7 and during the day there were life skills activities which were both fun and educational,” she said.

“They do their best to get you back on track and help you with any other problems you may have.

“It’s a shame there aren’t more places like Roundabout as there are many more young people who would benefit.”

To support Gemma’s fundraising raffle visit www.justgiving.com/MrsGemma-Louise/