Will Herbert, Budgens, Upper Street, Islington, London

Photo: Louise Haywood-Schiefer

I’ve been living in Newington Green for 10 years. I really love the area and the people. 

My neighbours are all Arsenal supporters, so I’ve turned into an Arsenal fan. If I’m not selling papers I like to watch the games. I only went to a match once. One of my customers said she might try and get me a ticket to a match one day. They’re not cheap at all, so that’d be a big plus in my life. 

I’m a true Londoner. I was in South London most of my life, but I kept on getting in trouble. I had problems with drink and drugs. People kept on dying around me, I felt like I had no one. But then I met a probation officer who actually listened to my problems and found me a hostel to stay over here. I’ve not gone back. I won’t come out of North London. 

I’m like a priest now, compared to how I was. A lot of it’s to do with the Big Issue. 

Back in the day, I had my drink problem, and I was homeless. I was staying on the Strand and in Covent Garden, I had two places where I stayed. But someone told me about this new paper coming out, and I thought I’d give it a try. I’ve been doing it on and off for the last 30 years. I sold them when it was the big paper, when it was the small paper, I sold them when we bought them for 20 pence. 

People say to me you could do other jobs, but this is good for me – being outdoors, doing what I’m supposed to be doing. It helps me move forward. I’m out on my pitch, focused on selling papers, keeping myself to myself. It’s done a lot for me. 

And I mix with all sorts of life. I’m near the city, so you’ve got your stockbrokers and your barristers. Lot of them have a chat with me. There are loads of nice people around this part of town. My customers have been a great support. It’s not as great as it used to be, because of the cost of living. But they know I need a bit of support. I appreciate each and every one of my customers, I’ve got plenty of love to give to them. 

I’m looking for love, but I’m still single. There’s no love in my life yet – the only love in my life is food! But I like going to the gym, staying healthy. I had bowel cancer in 2017, but nothing’s come back yet. Health-wise things are looking better. My leg gives me some problems, but I feel comfortable in my own skin. 

It’s a brilliant change. When I had cancer, I thought my days are going. Now, I’m 64. I wasted the first 50 years of my life, and I’m not going to waste the rest. 

I’d love to go on holiday. I’m trying to save money for a cheap holiday, particularly in January when it gets cold to be outside. But I’ll look for somewhere cheap, get a deal on flights, look for accommodation myself once I get there. 

I have a lot of family in Montserrat in the Caribbean, that’s where my mum comes from. After I lost my mother, I went back and visited, four years ago. I’m trying to get to know them. I would love to try and get over to that family, to see them again.  

If I could tell my younger self anything, it’d be keep off the drink and drugs. Stay away from them. But that’s the main advice. Other than that, just keep on floating through. 

Interview: Lottie Elton 

Budgens of Islington, Upper Street, London, UK