A homeless army veteran has been charitably gifted a bicycle to help 'get his life back on track'.

Jamie had been sleeping on the streets after leaving the armed forces but with the support of military veteran charity Project Nova has been housed in emergency accommodation in Grays.

On Monday, May 18 the 34-year-old veteran asked the charity to help him find a push bike.

Project Nova launched an appeal and within 48 hours, Detective Inspector Rob Staples and Inspector Matt Crow of Essex Police located one in Harlow.

The bike, donated by a former colleague Rob’s, was delivered to Jamie this week.

Jamie said: “My life since leaving the army hasn’t been easy.

“I have made some bad decisions but since I’ve been involved in Project Nova, Lisa, my support officer, has been patient, tough and loyal.

“It’s made me realise that there is help there. I now have a roof over my head, I’ve been kindly donated a bicycle and I’ve received some fantastic support.

“I finally feel as though my life is beginning to get back on track. It’s now up to me to push myself and make positive changes.”

Inspector Crow said: “Within a few hours, Rob had secured a bike from a friend who had recently lost her husband and wanted his bike to be put to good use.

“Colleagues delivered the bike to Jamie, a very happy veteran.”

Lisa, from Project Nova, added: “The donation of bicycle is going to make such a difference to Jamie’s quality of life.

“We’re grateful to every person and organisation who helped in sourcing and delivering the bicycle, especially to Essex Police who were instrumental in this.

“Jamie is absolutely over the moon with all of the support and help he has been given, and feels this is really his time now to turn his life around and eventually get back into the workplace.”

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