A homeless father ‘cries every night’ in the back of his car as he prepares for a freezing Christmas alone after his relationship broke down.
39-year-old Shane Blackwell moved into his car two months ago and while other families will be enjoying a warm Christmas and mouthwatering turkey for dinner, he’s dreading the freezing temperatures and cramped conditions.
“I’m gutted. I’m not gonna be a man about it. I cry every night,” he said, according to Birmingham Live.
He continued: “It’s a bit horrible. I can’t lie down in it. If I was to sleep I’d be sitting up but I do struggle to sleep quite a lot. I’ve been getting sleeping tablets but they’ve not really been helping.
“I’ve managed to survive in -7C, which is the coldest it’s been, I’m still okay, I’m not ill which is surprising.”
Shane said that he keeps his car running as much as possible but he’s afraid he can’t do it until Christmas.
“Normally I would have my son but because of the situation I can’t have him so it’s gonna be a really rubbish day,” he expressed.
Shane has received aid Salma Food Bank in Smethwick so he can still have some food during his dilemma. He also signed up for Universal Credit.
“I’m speaking to the council, trying to get some benefits,” he said. “”I don’t get any benefits and if I do it’s not gonna be until January 18. I’m not classed as a priority, no matter what council I go to.
“When I got some money from work I spent it on some bits for the car and putting fuel in and that’s all I could afford.”
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