A man who lived in his car for two weeks after a family breakdown has thanked a homeless charity for "saving his life".

Nick, 55, said his world spiralled out of control at the end of 2018, and he shared his poignant story with News Shopper.

The dad said: "It was the most horrendous experience I have ever had. Living in my car and not knowing where meals were coming from one day to the next.

"I didn’t even know if I would wake up some mornings because it was so cold at times. It was terrifying.

"The car might be locked but it is not a safe environment."

Nick, who didn’t want his surname published, reached breaking point and turned up to A&E to say he couldn’t cope any longer.

"If I am brutally honest, they were not very helpful," Nick said.

Lewisham Council referred him to the 999 Club in Deptford Broadway.

READ MORE: GOOD CAUSES: Homeless charity 999 Club in Deptford

He described his first day at the charity’s night shelter as scary and admitted not speaking to anybody in the first week or so.

However, Nick soon benefited from the kindness of the staff.

He said: "They make you feel so wanted. If I am honest, I think this place saved my life. They have been better than outstanding."

Nick has stayed in the shelter since December 7 and is moving into supported housing this week.

"I am a little bit anxious about it, but I am looking forward to it," he said. "It is a new start and is massive for me. There is so much I want to be able to do.

"But it is a little bit scary."

He said having people stare at him for being a rough sleeper was humiliating and acknowledged that becoming homeless gave him a new perspective.

"It is natural that people judge the homeless, but you don’t have to show it. It is pig ignorant.

"I have no doubt that I used to see homeless people as drunks and was judgemental, but it is horrible to do that.

"You have no idea what people’s circumstances are, and it is grossly unfair."

He added: "Even outside the 999 Club if I went out for a cigarette, I would notice it. It is just wrong."

Nick did not want to go into detail about his family breakdown.

READ ALSO: Sleeping pods for homeless people installed in 999 Club Deptford

He spent 40 years of his life working in retail before learning to survive day to day.

Other homeless folk he encountered at the shelter were good people, according to Nick, who said he had forged friendships during his stay.

"There is nobody here I could say a bad word about. They are lovely. We are all here for the same reason and our circumstances are all different."

Nick, who shared his story to express his gratitude to the 999 Club, had a final message for those struggling.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel, you might not see it when you come here, but there is light.

"It is worth the wait."