Community helps Weymouth homeless man who's tent was burnt by vandals
Stephen Bowditch lost all his belongings in the malicious fire
A homeless man from Weymouth whose tent was burned down during the night has been helped by the local community.
They raised nearly £300 after Stephen Bowditch made a plea for support on social media.
Stephen is training for a charity walk between Weymouth and Scotland and went for a late night walk on the day of the incident.
He returned to a smoldering tent pitch, with many of his possessions burned and some stolen by vandals.
Lee Stocker is one of Stephen's childhood friends.
He told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"All his belongings had been rifled through, some stuff was stolen and the rest of it was just all charred remains.
"So when I saw his post on Facebook I immediately felt compelled to help him so I invited him round to my house
"When he turned up I said you can have whatever you need. I showed him all my camping equipment. Anything he needed I let him have."
Lee wasn't the only one to offer his help, Lee worth with the local community to help raise £290 for Stephen.
"When I handed him the money he was just overwhelmed with thanks. He was just so appreciative."
Lee added:
"It's not nice for it to happen to anyone at all, the fact that it was an old friend of mine made me want to help him out a bit more.
"But if it happened to anyone, I'd always offer some help if I can."
Stephen is now trying to find somewhere secure for he and his dog Hades.
He's focusing on training for his charity walk which is likely to be postponed for a month or two.