Graham Grenfell, 51, Cannon Street Station, London

I first worked for The Big Issue when I was 29. I played five-a-side football with some vendors, but broke my leg and ended up selling the magazine. I came back last year and have been on my pitch since Christmas. I love it. If I had a chance, I’d pitch my tent and live here.

At weekends it’s like a ghost town so I work long hours Monday to Friday. It gives me a buzz to see the same faces coming to work and going home. I say good morning and good evening to them. It helps us get to know each other and shows them how hard I work.

It can get busy. It’s like a load of animals coming at you during rush hour! But my regulars are like family. I tell them how long I have been homeless and they ask if I have kids or if I have ever been married. I just tell them the truth – yes.

At weekends it’s like a ghost town so I work long hours Monday to Friday

I left home in Croydon at 16, I was homeless, went on my fairground travels but it wasn’t my cup of tea. I was a barrow boy, I’ve been a doorman – I’ve had lots of jobs. I also volunteer at Crisis at Christmas.

I have four boys and a girl. I see my little girl – I can’t say little, she is 19 and studying at college – when she comes down and we go for coffee. She asks why I’m selling The Big Issue. I tell her, “I need to buy you presents for Christmas!” She is my special one.

I lost my flat before Christmas. They picked me up and took me to a hostel, but the lights were on all night. I found another hostel, but after three weeks my time was up. Hopefully my new place in Shoreditch will be more permanent.

I’ve had two heart attacks and a little stroke and was told by my doctor to stop moving around so much, so hopefully I can stay. I’ve been there three weeks and it feels like home. My regulars got me a kettle and some DVDs. It chokes me up, their kindness every day. I really want to thank them for all their help.

I see all the stars here. I was on Famous, Rich and Homeless when Nick Hancock talked to me, and Noel Edmonds bought a magazine. I also went to the Houses of Parliament with John Bird recently. The sandwiches were chopped up like soldiers, really posh. I made sure I held my cup of tea with my little finger out.

I’m an Eagles fan… Crystal Palace are my team. I have the Eagle tattooed on my arm. We are doing well in the Premier League. My mum named me after George Graham, and my brothers after Malcolm Allison and John Jackson.

Dream trip… My brother lives in Spain and wants me to go there some time. The Big Issue is helping me do the forms to get a passport. I can’t wait to visit him.

On my pitch… I’m here Monday to Friday from 9am till 6pm.

Photo: Travis Hodges

Cannon Street Station, London EC4N 6AP, United Kingdom