By Gareth Cross
A Derry business owner's kind-hearted gesture has helped reunite a homeless man with his family.
Bradley Clutton, who owns Real Image in the Richmond Centre first met Pierre Dimond on Monday morning.
Pierre had not been seen by his family back in England in over three years and had begun sleeping rough.
His mother had not heard from him and feared he may have died.
Pierre was robbed of his identification while living in Dublin and came to Derry just a few months ago.
While seeking shelter ahead of weather warnings relating to Storm Ophelia, he met Brad.
Speaking to the Derry News, Brad said that he was concerned for Mr Dimond's safety with weather warnings in place due to Storm Ophelia.
"I noticed him walking past my shop on Monday, we were one of the last places open and I was concerned," he said.
"Everyone was worried with all the weather warnings in place and I didn't want him sleeping outside.
Brad then took Mr Dimond to Jamm in the Richmond Centre where he was provided with some food and a drink.
He then spoke with Paul McCartney of Damien House who arranged for Mr Dimond to spend the night there.
Brad began talking to Mr Dimond and learned they were both from the same area in England.
"We are both from Yorkshire," he said.
"I asked him about his background and found out his last name and he told me his mum lived in Harrogate.
"He has been homeless for three years and came to Derry a few months ago.
"He had his ID stolen when he was in Dublin so had been unable to get any help from local agencies.
"I asked if he would like me to try and get in contact with his mum."
Brad initially made contact with Mr Dimond's mum through Facebook and she was relieved to hear from him.
"She was glad to hear that he was still alive," he said.
"She told me that he had not been home in three years, so I asked her if she would like to see him and speak to him on FaceTime.
"I went looking for him again the next day and after an hour of searching I found him at the Waterside Train Station,” he continued.
He said that Mr Dimond's mum was 'over the moon' to hear from him.
"She was so glad to see him, she couldn't believe it," said Brad.
"I asked his mum if they wanted him to come back and I would get him a ticket.
"I purchased him a ticket for the ferry from Belfast to Liverpool and the train from Liverpool to York and then on to Harrogate.
"We took him up to Belfast on Wednesday and family is going to meet him in Harrogate on Thursday."
Brad said he didn't expect any praise for what he was doing.
"I wanted to get him home because he was genuine," he said.
"We plan to keep in touch and his mum has even said she'd like me to come over and visit."
Brad moved to Derry himself two years ago to live with his fiancee. The couple currently have an 11-month old son.
He said he was struck by the close knit community in the area.
"It's a good little community, I work all over for business and here everyone keeps each other right and looks after each other," Brad said.
"It's very different to the other areas I work which are very commercialised.
"The management at the Richmond Centre, Bobby in particular is unbelievable. They can't do enough for you.
"I was happy to help but was just doing what any other person would."
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.
