Tributes paid to 'incredible' homelessness advocate and kind heart

Tributes have been paid to an ‘incredible advocate’ for homeless people in Slough – well known and well-liked for his positive, kind and caring spirit.

Stephen O'Grady knew the challenges of homelessness firsthand. He lived as a homeless person in a variety of towns and cities and spent a year living in a tent in Upton Park, Slough.

As a result, he became involved with Slough Outreach homelessness support charity. Its founder, Shin Dhother, said the organisation is ‘devastated’ to hear of his death.

Stephen passed away aged 50 after a long period of ill-health and frequent hospitalisations.

Prior to this, he had been doing well – he was homed with Trinity Housing, a not-for-profit provider of homes for vulnerable adults. Stephen had been there for over a year.

His partner of almost three years, Colour Nolan, said he was comfortable and happy there.

Stephen had long battled alcohol addiction and made attempts to get help, going to 12-step meetings.

His first and only tattoo was the words: ‘One day at a time’ – a known adage of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“That’s how I’m dealing with this,” said Colour. “One day at a time. He was the most incredible man in the universe – not just to me, but to so many.

“He always wanted to help people. He’d sit down in the rain with someone and offer them a hot cup of tea.”

Stephen would always share what he had with those who needed it – ‘it wasn’t even a question,’ said Colour.

He was also a very placid person who never wanted to have arguments – ‘a lover, not a fighter.’

“Stephen had his difficulties mental health-wise and alcohol-wise, but he was always such a gentleman,” said Colour. “He only wanted to see people happy and he treated everyone like royalty.”

Stephen’s caring nature led him to talk down people on the verge of suicide, Colour said – saving their lives.

“He would reach out an arm for anyone who was struggling,” she said. “He’d be there to hold their hand and help them stand up.”

Stephen helped Colour too. Thanks to his encouragement and support, at age 33 she has started university for the first time.

As someone who knew the challenges of homelessness, Stephen used this to advocate for them and their rights, calling out perceived harshness or intolerance from the UK government.

He firmly supported The Big Sleep Out, an event which raises awareness of rough sleeping.

A man who loved running, even while battling homelessness Stephen ran several marathons, raising money for charity.

Those that knew him expect that there will be many people who will want to pay their respects to Stephen.

“There are so many people that have contacted me and send their condolences – people from Wales and Brighton, people from London,” Colour said.

Stephen was also a keen painter and was working on setting up a website, connecting with other people who shared his passion. His positivity showed in his artwork, said Colour.

She hopes to be able to exhibit some of his work in Slough one day.

“He really wanted his art to go somewhere. It was going to go somewhere, but then he passed away,” she said. “I’d love to keep his legacy going.”

Shin from Slough Outreach remembers Stephen as ‘just a really nice, positive, gentle person.’

“He was popular, nicely spoken, and if anyone was in trouble he would step in and say, ‘You’ll get through this,’” said Shin.

“He accepted people as they are without trying to change them. These kinds of people, they really do stick [in your mind]. We will miss him dearly.”

Stephen’s funeral is set for 11am, March 3 at Slough Crematorium.

It will be a ‘very colourful, no black allowed’ affair, in accordance with Stephen’s own colourful style and spirit.

Rather than flowers, the family have requested donations to New Hope, a homeless charity which supported Stephen when he first became homeless.