Love blossoms at homeless charity

Paul and Jane Barrett who met at Emmaus and have now got married.

Lovebirds Paul and Jane Barrett tied the knot on October 30th and are now happily living in their own home in Cobden Street and looking forward to a bright future after meeting in difficult circumstances.

Jane (62) said: “I moved to Emmaus in 2012 when I found it difficult to find a home after working abroad.

“A mutual friend introduced me to Paul and we just clicked. I suffer from epilepsy and have bad shakes because of my medication.

“Paul is very kind-hearted and helps me a lot. Emmaus was wonderful for us and I will never forget it because I wouldn’t have met Paul otherwise.”

Emmaus is an international homeless charity that works by providing its residents or “companions” a place to live, but also work, and therefore contribute to their accommodation.

Emmaus Burnley’s steering group formed in 2005 with the aim of opening an Emmaus community to alleviate the homelessness problem in Burnley.

It now has accommodation in Old Hall Street and a workshop in Ivy Street.

Paul (47) said: “I have struggled with an alcohol problem, but at Emmaus I learned how to varnish and strip furniture.

“Meeting Jane was wonderful and it’s lovely to now have our own place.”

The happy couple tied the knot at Burnley Register Office, and enjoyed a reception at the Wheatsheaf pub in Duke Bar, before a honeymoon in Blackpool.

James Balderstone, community administrator at Emmaus Burnley, was one of the wedding guests.

He said: “At Emmaus we strive to improve the lives of all our companions, and it’s lovely to see Paul and Jane so happy in their own home.”

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