A news clipping from the Paper

JUNE 13: After becoming homeless for six years, Keperra's Laurence Stanway has pulled himself back into society and is making the world his oyster.

``One week you skip your rent to pay drug debts, or you get too drunk and blow all your pay, and before you realise, the eviction notices start arriving at the door,' Mr Stanway said.

``At one point in time I lived in a cemetery, sleeping on crushed-up cardboard on top of a grave. Newtown cemetery was my address for six months and it was a great place to rest in peace.'

Now 42, Laurence decided three years ago to document his struggle with drugs, alcohol and homelessness in his book, Awoken by an Angel, which has recently been published on the internet.

``I faced many challenges during writing the book. I realised that I was quite illiterate and that my knowledge of language was limited, so I started researching the dictionary and learning 10 new words a week.'

Mr Stanway then had to learn his way around the keyboard and internet, definitely a feat for someone who lived on the streets for six years.

``When you end up homeless, it seems like there is no way out.

``You look like, smell like and act like a derelict.

``The title of the book, Awoken by an Angel, seemed appropriate. I got a lot of help from people best described as angels.'

While Awoken by an Angel touches heavy issues, Mr Stanway said it also included his humorous misadventures.

``People who buy my book online will be taken on an adventure that is packed with action, laughter, inspiration, emotions and also gain an insight into a life that most people could never imagine,' he said.