A FATHER-of-three has launched a new drive to help clothe Glasgow's homeless after getting a second chance at life.

Forty-nine-year-old Patrick McCurry of Tollcross knows too well the dire situation the homeless face. He spent 10 years on and off the streets as a drug addict.

He also had a heart and lung bypass three years ago and said he considers his recovery as "another chance" at life.

After being inspired by the food donated by thousands of people in George Square after the referendum, he is starting a new collection for clothing to help the homeless this winter.

He started No Place for Poverty Scotland on Facebook on October 8 and already has 20 bags of clothes donated.

He said: "At the moment, it's just me and my partner, Agnes Neary.

"We grew from Glasgow Needy, the George Square foodbank. People were asking about donating clothes and we thought we would take it on."

He said: "I'm going to get in touch with a woman's refuge near me and see if anyone wants any clothing."

Patrick said he knew what those living on the street were going through.

He said: "I've been there. I know they don't go for help. There's still a stigma about being homeless. I would rather go out on the streets and give them jackets or shoes or whatever."

Since he launched his appeal on Facebook, he's had clothing dropped off from across Glasgow.

"I had a heart and lung transplant three years ago. Since then, it's like having another chance."

Darren Carnegie of Glasgow Needy said he was pleased it had inspired Patrick and pledged to help in any way he could.

He said: "When he got in touch I said I would help.

"We are very busy but I will do what I can. We also get given clothes but a lot of people give clothes that aren't suitable to pass on.

"Things are going fantastic for us, we took a huge donation to Glasgow City Mission and they were overwhelmed.

"Glasgow Needy is not just about us. If we can help other organisations we will."

victoria.brenan@eveningtimes.co.uk