A GRATEFUL teenager who was left with nowhere to turn after he arrived at a night shelter penniless says he now has a future thanks to the generosity of the people of Colchester.

After Jarik Morrison, 19, tried to take his own life, he arrived at Colchester Night Shelter earlier this week.

He had travelled to the country from Nelspruit, South Africa, in September, after his family saved for months to fund his ancestry visa.

But after moving in with his mother in Colchester, within a month he found himself out on the street.

He managed a temporary stay with a Good Samaritan, but his passport was lost in the move from his mother’s house. Jarik says his mum could no longer afford to keep him.

The night shelter appealed to the Gazette for help, citing the unusual nature of the case and the young man’s vulnerability and readers responded in kind.

Jarik has had offers of work and thanks to Refugee Action - Colchester, which survives on the good will of residents, his future looks a little brighter.

Jarik is due to travel to London today to visit the South African Embassy, where he will commence the process of replacing his passport.

Maria Wilby, a case worker for Refugee Action - Colchester, said: “I was explaining to Jarik this is a remarkable town and we have never had to turn anyone away.

“An assistant case worker has written out clear instructions so he can get to where he should be and provided enough to make sure he can make the journey and get some lunch.”

In the short term, the organisation will provide Jarik with £35 a week to stay fed and watered.

Jarik will take up an offer of an apprenticeship at Colchester’s GO4 Cafe and work as a labourer once his passport is secured. He will apply to join the British Army as a Commonwealth recruit as soon as possible.

The grateful young man said: “I am honestly heart-warmed, I was crying at some stage last night.

“I can’t believe it. I no longer want to just disappear, I want to prove to my family and everyone I can fight, work and show what I can do.

“Once I am at the embassy I will feel like so much pressure has been relieved.”