I am Stephen Smith, an 83 year old former bank robber who has a vision of opening a 'New Start Centre' for the delinquent youths of today, helping them to avoid the trecherous rollercaster hell-ride I went down. After writing about my life events, my autobiography 'Addict' went on to sell over 1.5M copies, across 4 different languages.

Nowadays, I dedicate my time into tackling homelessness and making our streets a safer place to be. Along the journey so far, I have met with some significant figures in our countries leadership, including Mr Burnham himself many years ago during a campaign to eradicate homelessness across the UK.

With almost 5 years first-hand experience sleeping rough and knowing what it's like to hit rock bottom From the age of just 14, I was in amongst some of Britains most notorious criminals, beginning a 30+ year spree of drug-fulled criminal lunacy. So I also know how important early intervention can be.

Before I die, I will make a difference. This is just step one.

Join me on my journey and let our voices be heard.

Yours faithfully,

Stephen Martin Smith