I was employed by the St Patrick's Trust for almost six years as education manager and tutor. I can honestly say it was both a privilege and a pleasure to work in the presence of such a truly dedicated and humble man as Father Alan Sharpe. I wonder how many of the public know the tireless work and devotion Father Alan put into the homeless community over many years. We should be singing his praises from every rooftop in Sussex. No one person has done more to ease the burden and suffering of his fellow men and women than this tireless worker for the poor.

I have seen him cooking and serving meals to the homeless when most people would be settling down in front of their TV sets. He organised countless harvest festivals for the homeless. He visited many schools in the region giving talks and fighting in the corner of the homeless, asking for donations for those less fortunate than us.

The public did not see the distribution nightmare he had every harvest time, getting the much-needed food to the old, the sick, the homeless and the many other people who would go hungry without this gentle man's help. I wonder how many people would take on such a momentous task as the harvest festival.

Lunchtime with Father Alan on Thursdays is well supported by both the residents of St Patrick's and many other homeless people from other organisations. Many discussions take place every week on diverse subjects and guest speakers are often asked to give advice on topics that concern the homeless, such as housing waiting lists, job prospects, education, and drug and alcohol problems.

St Patrick's and Father Alan have recently been through the mill over funding their operations. Brighton and Hove City Council's decision to withdraw £200,000 of funding for the night shelter means that they now have to work harder to appeal for private funding and voluntary services from individuals and companies in Sussex.

I will always remember the great work that Father Alan and his team at St Patrick's have accomplished.

Let's not forget. Let our memories be long and not short.

  • Tony Ward, Queen's Place, Shoreham