A former Big Issue seller started his own business which is now worth nearly £10 million.
Philip Waltham, 44, spent three years of his life selling the magazine after running away from home in Hull to escape his drug addiction.
Now, in a remarkable transformation, he owns the sustainable fashion firm Bulk Vintage Wholesale which turns over £9 million a year in profit.
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Not forgetting his roots, he said: "The Big Issue helped me put money in my back pocket and feed myself.
“They taught me how to respect myself. They taught me how to budget my money and how important a roof was.
“I had to have money to buy Big Issues so I could sell Big Issues and that taught me how to budget.
“The thing that has saved my life is selling second-hand clothes and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for The Big Issue.”
Philip started selling second-hand clothes he had saved, first opening a market stall in Camden, London.
Now, he oversees two high street stores in Newcastle and York - and has plans to open two more branches in Liverpool and Manchester.
“We fight fast fashion. We save clothing from landfills, we go to big factories and take clothing," Philip added.
"Last year we saved around 600 tonnes of clothing and then repurposed them to sell on.”
Big Issue founder Lord John Bird said: “Our vendors sell The Big Issue to earn a legitimate income which not only provides them with money to get back on their feet but also helps them develop the key life and business skills they need to thrive.
“They are then supported by our frontline teams, who are always on hand to help, with anything from accessing key services such as healthcare to simply being there to give advice when needed.
“Philip’s story is brilliantly inspiring and a great example of the transformative effect the Big Issue can have on people’s lives.”
The Big Issue says the magazine is sold by the homeless, long-term unemployed, and those who need money to avoid getting into debt.
Those who sell the Big Issue are given five free magazine which are then sold to the public for £3 while fresh copes can be bought for £1.50.
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