The soon-to-be happy couple (Picture: SWNS)

The Big Issue is supposed to give homeless people employment and help them make money, but this one got a whole lot more.

Big Issue seller Jack Richardson met the love of his life Toni Robinson while selling the magazine on the streets, and now they are getting married.

The 37-year-old asked Toni for some money as she passed his patch in Bristol two years ago, however she apologised, saying she didn’t have any herself.

Despite his position Jack was kind enough to give Toni 50p so she didn’t have to spend Christmas in the dark, as she couldn’t afford any electricity.




Over the next few months the two became friends, and when Jack’s squat was boarded up by the council, Toni offered him a place to stay.

The two kind souls fell in love, and have been happily living together ever since.

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Despite being homeless, Jack gave Toni 50p when they first met (Picture: SWNS)

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Earlier this month Jack brought Toni to his Big Issue patch, where they first met, and after getting down on one knee popped the question.

Obviously she said yes.

The love-struck Jack, who sells the magazine seven days a week, said: ‘I was in a really bad place when I met Toni.

‘I was having to beg every day just to get enough money for a night in a bed and breakfast.’

Jack admitted that his situation before meeting Toni was so dire that he had considered ending his life.

‘I couldn’t see any future. But now I have someone stable who I love and who loves me,’ he said.

‘I’m able to look to the future.’

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Jack still sells the Big Issue seven days a week while studying at the Open University (Picture: SWNS)

Toni said she was blown away by the fact that someone ‘without a roof over his head’ would offer her money.

She added: ‘He had dignity. It just really blew me away. I was so thrown, I gave him a hug.’

One of Jack’s regular customers, who is a vicar, has promised to officiate the wedding and provide the church for the service.

Another has offered to do Toni’s hair, and Jack also sells the magazine to a photographer who has offered their services for the wedding.

The wedding planning will have to be added to Jack’s already busy life – he is studying for an Open University degree in psychology and sociology, and hopes to help people off the streets when he graduates.