A man who lives in a tent on the side of a busy road says he chooses to live this way rather than conform to what society considers to be the norm.
Derek Doggett, 61, set up his tent on a piece of grass just off Tewkesbury Road in Cheltenham at the beginning of December, reports Gloucestershire Live.
He said he chose that spot because he had less of a chance of being moved on or targeted by thieves.
Derek, like many other homeless people, has struggled with drink and drugs in the past and has gone through some very tough times, living by himself on the streets in the UK and in Europe.
But he says he has been free of problems, that were caused by drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, for many years.
Derek says he doesn’t want people to feel sorry for him because he mainly enjoys the nomadic lifestyle he has chosen.
He said: “I’ve lived this life for over 21 years now, on and off the streets, travelling around - meeting some wonderful people and some not so wonderful people.
“I’m trying to reorganise my life I suppose.
“I tend to enjoy what I’m doing. We all have good days and bad days but this lifestyle is what I have chosen for myself for a long time now because of different restrictions on housing.”
He added: “I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. Some have dropped off clothes and food at the tent where I am now. I’m very grateful to them but I would rather they give it to Open Door.
“I can look after myself but there are a lot of people out there who can’t.
“I have had some really tough times but I’ve enjoyed a lot of things. I don’t really need sympathy. I’m not sorry for my lifestyle.”
Cheltenham Open Door helps those who are poor, going through hard times or distressed. Derek often goes there for meals and for a shower.
“I’m literally a free spirit,” he said.
Asked if he ever gets lonely, he said: “I suppose I do but not very often. Most people need other people around but I don’t.
“I don’t have a problem being on my own. I like the peace and quiet. It was almost like meditation when I walked across Spain.”
Derek is originally from London but says his travels have taken him to many towns and cities.
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