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News man who became homeless receives support from Argus readers
6:29pm Thursday 13th December 2007
A former newsreader who became homeless after racking up thousands of pounds in credit card debts has received massive support from Argus readers.
Ed Mitchell, 54, was offered accommodation after we reported his story.
Today he was back in front of the camera after recording an exclusive video interview for our website.
Mr Mitchell has also received offers of work and for one week will read the daily video news reports for The Argus website, beginning on Monday.
The Argus was inundated with calls from national newspapers and press agencies wishing to interview Mr Mitchell about his incredible story.
He said: "It's looking hopeful. I've had a lot of calls from newspapers and press agencies. It seems to have struck a chord. A lot of people are interested in me because it is Christmas. Also the fact there is a debt mountain people can obviously relate to my story.
"Doing this story has helped already. I have already been offered accommodation from three different people."
Mr Mitchell began sleeping rough on Hove seafront nine months ago after his credit card debts spiralled out of control.
Only seven years before the father-of-two was earning £100,000 a year as a newsreader for American-owned station CNBC.
But he was forced to borrow more money when he was made redundant from his job and was saddled with a £250,000 debt before he was declared bankrupt two weeks ago.
Mr Mitchell, who lost his home, his wife and all his possessions because of credit card debt, touched the hearts of scores of Argus readers.
The Argus website was overwhelmed with comments from readers offering sympathy to Mr Mitchell and from those with similar debt problems.
Mark Fareham wrote: "What I read about Ed is inspiring. I live in what is considered an affluent area. The reality I expect are neatly kept time bombs filled with anxiety which is heightened at this time of year.
"I have spent many years recovering from debt.
"Sure, we each have a responsibility but debt is a fact of life today sold to us by skilled sales people through multi-media. Ed has found freedom in the most painful way. I found freedom by dealing with it as best I can. There is help for us all, we just need to ask."
Timmy wrote: "This story shows that you never know who the guy is sleeping on the bench. So the next time you pass by one of these rough sleepers know that he too once had dignity."
Gary, from Hove, wrote: "How awful to hear the news that more debt is being created by central banks across the world through loans. The financial and housing markets need correcting. Why doesn't the government stop protecting them and start protecting us?"
- To find out more about Mr Mitchell's story, see our video report hereand don't miss our morning bulletins read by Mr Mitchell, beginning on Monday.
If you are struggling with debt contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau advice line on 0845 1203710 on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday between 1pm and 4pm or visit them at Hove Town Hall, Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Alternatively, contact the Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800 138 1111.
Leave your messages of support to Mr Mitchell below.
And don't miss our morning news bulletins on this website next week, all of which will be read by Mr Mitchell.
Your Say YourArgus
No, Way says...
6:49pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Bob Smytherman, Worthing says...
7:11pm Thu 13 Dec 07
His Mother and mine still live in the same properties in Lancing.
This could affect anyone.Good Luck Ed!
carole barnes, roedean says...
7:16pm Thu 13 Dec 07
john, Burgess Hill says...
7:18pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Trevor, Southwick says...
7:49pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Jeremy wrote:It doesn't look like they're making him a hero to me. It looks like they're putting a human face on the stories about rising debt and the credit crunch. As someone who has more debt than I would like, I have some sympathy. Most of us try to be responsible but, despite our best efforts, we all make mistakes. Ed Mitchell's turned out to be more costly than some people's. I hope he turns his life around. And I think the Argus has done a public service by highlighting how a local man has seemingly had it all and watched it slip from his grasp.
He had a job 100,000 a year and then got in credit card debt. Sorry but too bad. If he was irresponsible why is the Argus making him a hero. The Argus is just encouraging people to spend more than they earn. Not to worry our readers will finance your life.
Jeremy, Hove says...
8:00pm Thu 13 Dec 07
What is incredible about his story ? He lived a life sytle he could not afford and is now "bludging" off society. The only incredible thing is that the Argus feels that this is a charity case, which is worthy of help from others. From above comments it appears all the generous gifts he has received will be pi##ed away at a bar. If he can find one that he is not banned from. Yes debt, is a serious issue but I do not think Ed Mitchell should be the poster child. A lesson for all - Live within your means.
freddy, Brighton says...
8:29pm Thu 13 Dec 07
David, Hove says...
8:41pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Bob Smytherman wrote:So even his Mum has washed her hands of im becausei am damm sure my mum would move heaven and earth to help me if i was homeless..as would i if any friend or family need shelp
I grew up living next door to Ed and his family in Lancing and he was a great guy and my thoughts are with him and I look forward to seing him reading the Argus news! His Mother and mine still live in the same properties in Lancing. This could affect anyone.Good Luck Ed!
Thomas Grimshaw, Brighton says...
10:35pm Thu 13 Dec 07
GREYRUN, Hove says...
10:35pm Thu 13 Dec 07
FRANKIE BARNES, TEXAS says...
10:53pm Thu 13 Dec 07
I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED, IT'S ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN A NAME THAT GETS THE HELPING HAND, THE REST CAN APPEAR TO GO TO HELL.
UST WHAT MAKES HIM SO SPECIAL WHEN HE'S ALREADY HAD THE GOOD LIFE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE WITH EVERYTHING THROWN AT HIS FEET, SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE FOR BEING SUC KED IN!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave, Brighton says...
11:44pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Jammy, Brighton says...
11:53pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Steve, Sussex says...
11:55pm Thu 13 Dec 07
Jeremy wrote:Feck off you miserable ****. It's bitter and twisted people like you that make sharing this planet such a chore for the rest of us. How can you wish misery on ANYONE at this time of year with the weather as it is? Do us all a favour and keep your tight-fisted sour views to yourself. And that goes for the rest of yer stone-hearted tosspots too. Merry Xmas everyone else who's delighted to hear a man down on his luck is on the up once more. Cheers!
The Argus was inundated with calls from national newspapers and press agencies wishing to interview Mr Mitchell about his incredible story. What is incredible about his story ? He lived a life sytle he could not afford and is now "bludging" off society. The only incredible thing is that the Argus feels that this is a charity case, which is worthy of help from others. From above comments it appears all the generous gifts he has received will be pi##ed away at a bar. If he can find one that he is not banned from. Yes debt, is a serious issue but I do not think Ed Mitchell should be the poster child. A lesson for all - Live within your means.
Ian, Brighton says...
2:38am Fri 14 Dec 07
cynic., Brighton. says...
6:11am Fri 14 Dec 07
FRANKIE BARNES wrote:The voice of reason. Well said. I read in yesterdays Argus, that this man is writing a book about his terrible experience, hmmmm. I smell a rat.
WOULD ANYONE BE INTERESTED IN MY 33 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO IS JUST ABOUT TO BE DECLARED BANKRUPT. SHE\'S NEVER HAD A JOB PAYING THAT MUCH OR COULD BUY ALL THE GOOD THINGS OF LIFE, AND GOT OVER HEAD WITH CREDIT CARD DEBT......NO, OF COURSE NOT, SHE\'S JUST A NOBODY AND WILL NEVER BE GIVEN A HELPING HAND BECAUSE SHE\'S NEVER BEEN FAMOUS. WE LIVE IN AMERICA AND HAVE HAD TO KEEP OUR HOUSE AT OUR COST IN THE UK SO SHE DOESN\'T BECOME HOMELESS AND A BURDEN TO ABUSTING HOMELESS PROBLEM. I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED, IT\'S ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO\'S BEEN A NAME THAT GETS THE HELPING HAND, THE REST CAN APPEAR TO GO TO HELL. UST WHAT MAKES HIM SO SPECIAL WHEN HE\'S ALREADY HAD THE GOOD LIFE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE WITH EVERYTHING THROWN AT HIS FEET, SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE FOR BEING SUC KED IN!!!!!!!!!!!
fact, wherever says...
8:26am Fri 14 Dec 07
Ian wrote:+Ian, p1ss 0ff pal. as the majority say, the guy is a fuk1ng loser.
Well said Steve. I hope all of you moaning about this never fall on hard times yourself or ever need a helping hand. Sure we should all live within our means and we should take care of our money when we are earning it. Does not always work out so well and people do make mistakes. Good on this bloke for being given a second chance - where is the harm in that. Jeremy, I hope you choke on your turkey and your Christmas tree falls down. Pompous git. Merry Christmas everyone else.
Joe, Hove says...
10:16am Fri 14 Dec 07
I wish Ed all the luck in the world, and the same to anybody down on their luck sleeping rough at this cold time of year (and at any time really, but especially now it's winter).
fact, says...
10:35am Fri 14 Dec 07
Allen, Shoreham says...
10:54am Fri 14 Dec 07
steve, Harlow says...
1:29pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Peter Hoskins, London says...
1:44pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Peter Hoskins, London says...
1:45pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Max, Chelmsford, UK says...
1:54pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Jeremy (Cheerful), Hove says...
2:46pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Ian wrote:Ian, so you are praising him for being given a second chance. Good on him for what ? Being a loser, a failure. Well played to him for getting people to give him charity? I would say good on society for deciding to give him a second chance.
Well said Steve. I hope all of you moaning about this never fall on hard times yourself or ever need a helping hand. Sure we should all live within our means and we should take care of our money when we are earning it. Does not always work out so well and people do make mistakes. Good on this bloke for being given a second chance - where is the harm in that. Jeremy, I hope you choke on your turkey and your Christmas tree falls down. Pompous git. Merry Christmas everyone else.
By the way Ian I will not choke on my turkey or have a tree fall on me, as it is not part of my culture to celebrate the birth of christ. But I guess cultural diversity has not found your home yet. (That is assuming you have a home)
Pompous - I think not, at no point have I claim to have any great importance. I stated an opinion, which you being narrow minded could not comprehend.
Maybe you should change the channel and start watching world news. Its a big world and many people are homeless and bankrupt. But they are not getting the same help as Ed. Picture of Homeless Ed... had time to do his hair, put on clean clothes, and a fancy leather jacket.
Joanne, Waltham Abbey says...
2:47pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Julie, Portslade says...
3:12pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Not to mention the fact that every bit of our green space, brownfield sites and even back gardens are now home to new, so called," Affordable Housing".Every single one of these properties brings revenue in the form of Council Tax to Brighton and Hove City. Our residents should have a right to proper housing. Not just those that are Pregnant or Over 65.
Lady XYZ, says...
3:35pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Corrina, 039-529 says...
3:37pm Fri 14 Dec 07
PS Ed, I used to chat with you on the train coming home from London. You were nothing but pleasant, friendly and funny. Good luck to you, and remember, from something bad always comes something good.
Doodar, Birmngham says...
3:52pm Fri 14 Dec 07
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corrina, hove says...
4:36pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Let them eat cake, worthing says...
5:31pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Richard Kenn, Worthing says...
5:52pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Anne, Helston says...
9:20pm Fri 14 Dec 07
Life has a habit of kicking you up the backside whoever you are.
How mean spirited can you be not to feel sympathy for a fellow human being's predicament.
Michaela, London says...
10:10pm Fri 14 Dec 07
David McDowell, Edinburgh says...
12:03am Sat 15 Dec 07
Alex Brodie, Derby says...
12:13am Sat 15 Dec 07
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/uk/7139610.st
m
Why can't Ed stay in one of those houses? Why does he have to sleep out in the street? It's time this country got a grip!!
Jane Mottershead, Chichester says...
8:58am Sat 15 Dec 07
Guinevere ffrench, Belsize Park says...
9:12am Sat 15 Dec 07
Darrell, says...
2:28pm Sat 15 Dec 07
APITTERS, Birmingham says...
9:42pm Sat 15 Dec 07
Kenny G, Hove says...
2:04am Sun 16 Dec 07
APITTERS wrote:APITTERS, I guess you didn't see the TV interview with Ed when he told us that "women love fat wallets". That may give us some kind of insight into his marriage - whichever way you care to interpret that comment.
I used to wonder why people are sleeping rough on the streets until today when i read about Ed. This has completely change the way that i think about those who are sleeping rough.Anyone can loose their job and find themselves in unfortunate circumstances. It makes me wonder though when times are good wife and husband stick together and as soon as one get into difficulties it leads into divorce. What about for richer and for poorer. No way would my children or if my husband and i was divorced would i let him sleep out in the cold. This shows that there were no love in te fist place.
Stephen, Oxon says...
10:28am Sun 16 Dec 07
Anne wrote:I think Anne has got it right with, "...there but for the grace of God..." . What we should learn from life's reverses, no matter how high we might rise or low we fall, is not to be judgemental about others. Ed's story is newsworthy because it is surprising, and because lots of people know who he is, not because he is in some special need of our sympathy. I wish him well. And I wish life will get better for everyone else who is having a tough time.
All I can say is ...there but for the grace of God...
Life has a habit of kicking you up the backside whoever you are.
How mean spirited can you be not to feel sympathy for a fellow human being's predicament.
grace of god, babylon lounge says...
2:35pm Sun 16 Dec 07
Virginia Ash, USA says...
6:11pm Sun 16 Dec 07
Alexe Finlay, North Yorkshire says...
1:03pm Mon 17 Dec 07
We were at Durham together and I remember you as Senior Man at Castle so I will be sending money to First Base and Off the Fence to help their work for you and others in Brighton and Hove. I have many Durham memories. Alexe
andy, surrey says...
10:43am Tue 18 Dec 07
unreason, Brighton says...
1:22pm Tue 18 Dec 07
Oh, and apparently he's got a book coming out soon. Coincidence much?
L Fraser, says...
4:29pm Wed 19 Dec 07
juliet, england says...
11:53pm Sat 12 Jan 08
Here is hoping that Ed can get past the denial of alcoholism, and accept that he is dying of it - his life is unmanageable - and here is praying that he can go through with doing the things that other alcoholics have done and to recover from it.
He may never see a huge wage again, but has more chance if he can be recovered from alcoholism - as he wont live long unless.
The human brain can only take so much before korsekovs (sp?) sets in - the liver can only take so much before scirrhosis (sp?) sets in - the kidneys groan under such drinking also.
Then he does not have to die like many many other alcoholics either on the streets or under a roof.
lets spare a thought for all the Eds out there tonight, all the alcoholics whose lives hang by a thread and whom litter the wards of hospitals, mental wards, rehabs, pavements, mortuaries, crime scene labs, jails and plush bars.
heck there is possibly one of them next to you, the reader right now, maybe in a saville row suit or with the latest cosmetics applied.
good luck alkies of the world (and Hove actually)!
tracy, margate says...
8:58am Fri 18 Jan 08
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Jeremy, Hove says...
6:48pm Thu 13 Dec 07