A 70-year-old grandad who spend nearly half a century driving a cab was forced to live in the back of his taxi after becoming homeless during the coronavirus lockdown.
John 'Ted' McMullen worked as a taxi driver for 49 years in Liverpool, yet found himself unable to work when his health deteriorated.
But thanks to the Torus Foundation, Mr McMullen now has his own apartment to call home, has become part of a community and feels safe.
Mr McMullen, from Dovecot, suffered a stroke prior to the arrival of the pandemic, but was still able to work as lockdown hit.
He moved into a supported accommodation complex on March 27, after losing his placement in a hotel.
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From there he continued his job as a taxi driver for part of the lockdown period, but had to have minimal contact with other people.
Within a few weeks, Mr McMullen's health deteriorated and he had to go to hospital.
When he was discharged, he said: "I was told to pack up work straight away."
His mobility suffered and Mr McMullen then suffered a "number of falls", Torus said.
Mr McMullen told the ECHO: "I was living in the back of my cab for a while because I had nowhere to go.
"The staff [who helped] have been brilliant, just fantastic. They've really helped me a lot, because I was homeless."
A spokeswoman for the foundation said: "We provided him with an emergency pendant and referred him to the Occupational Therapists for a full assessment.
"Following the assessment he was given aids to support his mobility and be more independent.
"We registered him with a local GP and he had a health check and a medication review.
"As John was unable to work he had no income. Working in partnership with the local authority, we assisted him to claim for benefits which he is now in receipt of."
Mr McMullen now has an apartment in Kirkby.
He said: "I didn't know where to go or who to turn to. I had no help at all [before].
"As you can see, they've been fantastic. Even the carers. I have two carers who come seven days a week.
"They've done the best they could in their control. It's fantastic what they're doing.
"I've made friends here - Phil, Stuart and Chris. They're the same age as me."
The spokeswoman added: "When Ted was discharged, he was unable to work, and he started to get involved with scheme activities and socialising with other residents.
"Since then, he has since become a member of The Maples community and has received quite a lot of support from the Torus Support Network and the Torus Housing Team to ensure he remains safe & well throughout the pandemic.
"Ted has made lots of new friends who also support him, by helping with his shopping when he cannot manage and ensuring he is involved with activities and events."
Torus looks to help provide wider housing solutions and choice for people needing homes.
More details about the work they can can be found here.
