A former rugby league player who fell on hard times after the loss of his career is offering to 'give something back' to those who need it.
Brett Barlow, 23, had been working towards a promising rugby career before an injury put him out of the game.
The loss of his career hit Brett, from Wakefield, so hard that he very nearly ended it all.
He said: "I lost loads of money, went into debt, had no where to live properly and I nearly killed myself a few times, but it's taken me two years of therapy and now I want to give a little back."
Brett, who said that he was "down and out" for around two years, was saved by the kindness of a lady who offered him free therapy sessions.
And he said that, if it had not been for that help, he would probably not be here now.
"I thought there was nothing else until a lady offered me therapy", Brett said. "This woman, I'd ran out of money, she said don't worry about the money and gave me ten more free sessions and for me that saved my life."
Now, knowing what it is to struggle, Brett is determined to pay that kindness forwards and has offered his assistance to a person who needs it.
He said that, during the first lockdown period, he would walk around Leeds and notice so many people living rough.
Despite wanting to approach people with his offer of assistance, Bretty was reluctant to do so as he did not want to make assumptions - so has asked for people to contact him, instead.
He said: "I want to offer to freshen them up, take them for a trim, maybe take them for a hotel for a week or two, get them some clothes and maybe get them a job.
"If someone came up to me and said 'I'm going to cut your hair, give you some fresh clothes and get you a hotel' it would have given me a boost, so it might give them a little boost."
Brett said that it can be hard to find people who want to be helped, which is why he is leaving it down to the individual themselves.
"I went through it myself and I built myself back up, so I want to pass it on to someone who needs a bit of help," Brett said.
He added: "I said to myself when I was down and out 'If I come out of this I want to give something back', so that's what I'm doing - I want to make someone feel good about themselves."
If you would like to take Brett up on his offer, you can contact YorkshireLive or LeedsLive through Facebook and we will pass your details along.
