Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

debs with a difference

A homeless man is being taken to his first debs by a volunteer

21-year-old Adam Skinner never got to attend his own debutante’s ball, but that is all set to change following an offer from volunteer Sarah Jane Curtis.

HOMELESS MAN ADAM Skinner (21) never had the opportunity to attend his own school debs.

He might have thought the opportunity was gone, but not so. For a homeless volunteer with action group March for the Homeless (MFTH), Sarah Jane Curtis (19), has just invited Adam to her own. And he’s going.

The story first came to light when MFTH founder Darren Bradley put a shout-out on the group’s Facebook page asking for help in funding Adam’s tuxedo and other clothing with the debs just over a week away.

mfth2

Speaking to TheJournal.ie Rathfarnham-native Sarah Jane says that she wants the story to be about Adam, and the position he’s in.

“I don’t really like attention so it’s a bit strange,” she says.

I’ve only known Adam for a couple of months through the group, hanging around and talking to people, but he’s just a lovely person.

sj1 Sarah Jane Curtis

When Adam, originally from Ballyfermot, said yes to Sarah Jane’s invitation the race was on to provide him with a tuxedo, shoes, cuff-links and all the trimmings that go with a debs date.

“I’m just trying to get a dress sorted now,” she says.

Obviously with this situation a lot can happen between now and the debs, but hopefully it will all get sorted.

With just six days to go until the big event in Naas, Co Kildare everything seems to have fallen into place with the most recent offer of a limousine to transport Adam and Sarah Jane the icing on the cake.

mfth1

Founder of MFTH Darren says he’s been “completely overwhelmed” by the public’s support for Adam.

“I am so happy that Adam has been given this opportunity,” he told us.

As soon as the initial post went up we were flooded with offers, including a white Rolls Royce to take them there in style.

Adam is currently spending several nights a week with a Dublin family who have volunteered to take him into their home. As Sarah Jane adds:

When all is said and done Adam is still on the streets which is awful and a position he doesn’t deserve to be in.

Read: Peter McVerry says hostels are such a disgrace he’s been advising people to sleep rough

Read: The spend on emergency accommodation has already hit €4.5m for 2015

Your Voice
Readers Comments
34
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.