Artist paints a much brighter picture

Polish artist Leszek Terlecki (45) pictured in his studio, under the stairs in his flat

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

A SELFLESS man who, less than two years ago found himself living on the streets, is doing everything in his power to give something back.

Leszek Terlecki moved to Oldham from his birth-town of Miedzyrzecz, western Poland, in 2006. He was seeking, hoping, for a "better" life.

But life took an unexpected turn when his marriage of 20 years broke down and he ended up homeless in May 2015.

Reflecting on that two-month period, Leszek described himself as being "like a little worm in a deep puddle".

"Life spiralled out of control", he said.

Support worker from KeyRing Living Support Networks Diane Chatterley said: "The family home split up and he lost everything, his wife, his two kids.

"He had to leave his job at Viridor because of his illness."

Leszek was battling a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term inflammatory disease affecting the joints in his hands and feet.

He continued: "Within one second I was homeless. I had nothing but the clothes I was wearing. I didn't eat for two weeks and lost around 30kg.

"I lost faith in life. I didn't want to live anymore. I was lying paralysed on the street in my own faeces because I didn't have any medication.

"I had joint spasms in my hands but when I got just a small bit of movement back, I tried to hang myself. I was at a very desperate point."

Leszek managed to find a homeless shelter on Ashton Road and was put on a waiting list for a flat.

The 45-year-old is still living in Dunwood Park where, thanks to help from KeyRing, he receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Diane, who Leszek described as "an angel", said: "When we got involved in January this year, his rent wasn't being paid because he wasn't receiving the housing benefit and he was at risk of being evicted."

Despite the struggle he has been through, Leszek hopes to make himself a living as a professional artist - not for personal gain, but to give the profits directly to good causes.

The talented Pole first began drawing and painting animals and people when he was 10 years old and eventually moved on to portraits and landscapes but gave it all up when he started working at a sawmill in Poland.

A first-time visit to York in 2010 re-sparked his inspiration and Leszek is now clawing back the 20-year gap in his creativity, from a three-square-metre cupboard beneath his flat.

One of his latest works ­- an oil on canvas of sunflowers ­- took him 18 months to complete. Another work in the pipeline is expected to take between five and six years.

The self-taught artist has previously made it through the preliminary stages to star on Britain's Got Talent but said his arthritis prevented him from achieving one of the challenges.

He is due to hold a street art event in Parliament Square on August 5, producing quick portraits for passers-by, with all proceeds going to good causes.

Diane has just submitted an application to Gallery Oldham to hold an exhibition of his work in aid of Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Kingfisher Special School's Big Splash campaign to purchase a new hydrotherapy pool, and Oldham Foodbank, who helped him in his darkest hour of need.

Translator Kat Katlewska said: "He wants to help others in any way that he can. When he was really struggling for money, he handed over two bag-loads of food to Oldham Foodbank. When he had just come off the streets and only had £5 to his name, he gave money to a homeless man he met."

Diane added: "That's Leszek. He is determined to earn money and give it to the people who need it."