Wycombe Wanderers’ Michael Harriman to become ambassador for WHC

Wycombe Wanderers defender Michael Harriman was pictured recently with Wycombe Homeless Connection volunteer Heather Morley as he announced that he and his wife would become ambassadors for WHC.

Michael and Amy visited WHC’s Support Centre and Wycombe Winter Night Shelter to learn about the two main activities of the charity.

After visiting the shelter, Michael said: “It was a real eye-opener for us; we expected to find people with the weight of the world on their shoulders, but it was completely different. They were so upbeat about life and happy with what they have, and that really puts into perspective the small things that we take for granted. In most cases it’s not their fault that they find themselves in this position; it’s just the way the world goes sometimes.

“It’s made both Amy and me want to get more involved to see what we can do. I’m lucky to do what I do and I know we have an opportunity to help raise awareness and encourage people to help fund more shelters.”

Heather Morley, communications and fundraising volunteer, explained: “The people we help are often young people who don’t have anywhere else to turn, and don’t have anyone to help them pick up the pieces when things in life don’t work out how they planned. Maybe they’ve lost a job, come out of a relationship, or come to the end of a shorthold tenancy on their property and struggle to find another home. Most people in life might experience at least one of those situations, and for some people, they fall into homelessness as a result.

“Having Michael and Amy on board will help us engage with more young people who might share similar interests. Guests at the shelter are given food, a bed and facilities to wash, but the most important thing is that they’re treated with human respect. When Michael and Amy came to sit with them, talk to them, share the same food and play board games, that’s incredibly powerful and helpful for them.”

Sheena Dykes, WHC Chair of Trustees, added: "We are delighted and very grateful that Michael and Amy have come forward to be our first charity ambassadors for Wycombe Homeless Connection. We hope that their involvement will encourage Wycombe Wanderers fans to understand homelessness in our town, and also to consider how they might get involved in tackling it. This is a community issue, and as a community we can work together to face it."