Bolton TV presenter and comic Paddy McGuinness told people at a dinner for homeless people that he hoped he would never see them again as he wished their struggles would be over in 2024.
Paddy was back in his hometown to attend Homeless Aid Bolton Christmas Party at All Souls Church.
Paddy talked to guests and took pictures before reading out raffles prizes and giving out special gifts.
Homeless Aid UK support families and individuals struggling in life, with food kitchens, essentials, medical and housing support and every year put on a special Christmas party.
Paddy spoke to The Bolton News about supporting the event.
He said: “Turning up at Christmas compared to what Billa does and his team, is nothing.
“It seems to be busier, which is not what we want, and talking to Billa what they do in Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester and go up to Edinburgh.
“Thank the Lord that businesses in Bolton donate because we’ve been giving bags out there to people and they’re cram packed with things like socks, hand warmers, drinks and chocolate.
“So, it’s lovely to get some music and for them to have a good time but it’s a shame to see it so busy.
Paddy is a supporter of Homeless Aid, which started in Moor Lane at Bolton Bus Station, having known the organiser, Billa Ahmed, as a child.
He said: “I said to everyone tonight, it’s nice seeing you here tonight but hopefully I don’t see you again.
“And I mean that in the most respectful, loving way as possible and I hope they get a roof over their head and don’t have to come back here.”
Paddy remembered a time when he first attended a Homeless Aid event and how he felt seeing a young man in need.
He said: “I remember when I first started coming down an Billa told me about it, you don’t want anyone to be homeless.
“What resonated the most was when I met a young teenage lad, he had flip-flops on, no socks, no trainers, and he was just 17.
“How me and Billa grew up, we didn’t have any money, but we had a roof over our heads and food in the cupboards. So, that just made me think Jesus Christ, there’s practically a kid here with nothing and no-one around him.
“So, I just try and get involved as much as I can and raise awareness.
Billa who runs the group has been hosting the event for more than five years.
He said: “It’s getting bigger each year, a lot of people came and enjoyed themselves, there were gifts and entertainment, and Paddy came as well.
“A lot of these people don’t get gifts and some of them even told us they hadn’t had gifts in five years, and they were all so thankful when walking out.
“I thank my team and everyone that donated, if you saw how many people were involved in putting this together, it’s just amazing.
“And just seeing people smiling and stood up and dancing, that’s amazing.”
Billa also thanked All Souls Church for opening up the church and getting it ready for the event especially for Homeless Aid UK.
He said: “Paddy is a friend of mine, and we grew up together but many of the friends we had are now homeless.
“One year I went to see Top Gear and walked round the corner and saw him and I was telling him such a body was homeless and from there we just got the connection after not seeing him 30 years.”
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