Student raises awareness for homeless double amputee in south London, Ont.
Near one of London, Ont.’s busiest intersections rests Tom, a 59-year-old a double amputee.
It’s Monday morning, and Tom has been lying on the ground, just outside the property of the London Health Sciences Centre's Victoria Hospital campus for the better part of four days.
Tom is saddened most people driving by fail to notice him.
“You’re a human being, just like I am, and as such, this could very well be you down in this position,” he cries out.
But not all pass by. On Thursday, shortly after Tom says he was discharged from LHSC for bed sores, he was noticed by Tyler Calver. He is a medical support student living in London, and Tyler says he quickly learned Tom’s story.
“Tom relies on a powered wheelchair because he is a double amputee. So, his wheelchair was charged in the ER [at LHSC] and he got it to about here [Wellington and Commissioners] where it died,” Tyler explains.
Since then, Tyler has been trying to help.
Tom is seen outside the Victoria Hospital campus of LHSC on Nov. 14, 2022. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
He says he has called every agency he can think of, but as of early Monday afternoon, Tom still lies on the grass.
“We have about four day’s worth of blankets here,” Tyler explains. “There are just piled one on top of the other. They are just covered in urine, feces and blood. It’s a disgrace that this is happening on our streets.”
Tom, who grew up in London, says he has been homeless for almost five years. He also admits he can be a challenging person to get along with, which limited his shelter options.
“No they tell me you can’t get in.” They tell me, ‘We don’t want you here.’”
But after having both legs removed and parts of his fingers lost to frostbite, Tom knows he desperately needs care.
“Ultimately, what I really need is permanent, and I mean permanent shelter,” he says.
Tyler concurs, telling CTV News London, “There is no more waiting! We need to do this now!”
Bernadette Cassin offers a cup of coffee and a muffin to Tom on Nov. 14, 2022. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
Many, including Bernadette Cassin, agree. She is among those who have stopped by to offer hot drinks and food to Tom.
“This should not be happening here. These people need help, and hopefully our new council will be able to come up with some suggestions because it is getting worse all the time,” she explains.
As Tom remains literally stuck in a system under pressure, he can only thank those who care — including Tyler.
“Cause if it wasn’t for God’s will for me to still be alive, and to have Tyler come around and do what he does, I [wouldn’t] be here right now,” he says. “I would have been dead a long time ago.”
Tyler is planning to work with newfound supporters to seek both short and long-term care for Tom, and has already sent Tom’s electric wheelchair for repair.
Tune in Monday night to learn more about Tom’s story on CTV News at 6.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says Ukraine is 'dead' and dismisses its defence against Russia's invasion
Former U.S. president Donald Trump described Ukraine in bleak and mournful terms Wednesday, referring to its people as 'dead' and the country itself as 'demolished.'
Rare Corvette found stripped of parts and dumped on dirt road outside Barrie, Ont.
A bizarre discovery was made on a dirt road in Clearview Township.
Residents west of Grand Forks, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
Evacuations are underway near Grand Forks, B.C., as a newly discovered out-of-control wildfire encroaches.
Liberal government survives confidence vote
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has survived his first confidence vote of the fall sitting. Members of Parliament voted on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's attempt to bring down the Liberal government after question period on Wednesday, and the non-confidence motion was defeated.
'She was victimized by a predator': B.C. court reverses transfer of $1.4M townhouse in elder abuse case
A man who 'systematically isolated, manipulated, deceived, abused, and exploited' an elderly North Vancouver woman has lost his ownership stake in her home.
Tearful complainant alleges Jacob Hoggard raped, choked her after Hedley concert
GRAPHIC WARNING: A woman accusing Jacob Hoggard of sexual assault in northern Ontario told his trial the musician raped, hit and choked her before urinating on her in a hotel room after she attended his band's concert and an after-party eight years ago.
Helene is expected to strike Florida as a major hurricane. Residents are fleeing
An enormous Hurricane Helene swamped parts of Mexico on Wednesday as it churned on a path forecasters said would take it to Florida as a major storm with a surge that could swallow entire homes, a chilling warning that sent residents scrambling for higher ground, closed schools, and led to states of emergency throughout the Southeast.
Yogurt recalled in Canada over risk of illness
A major yogurt maker is recalling one of its brands in Canada over concerns that it may cause illness in immunocompromised people.
'It is time to leave': Joly to meet with Lebanese PM amid Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says she will meet with Lebanon's prime minister in New York on Saturday amid the escalating conflict between Israel and militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.