A changed man
THE Rev Matt Martinson's journey to the priesthood has certainly been an unorthodox one. The son of an alcoholic father who abused him, he became a rough sleeper in York, after being discharged from the Army, before being handed an 11-year jail term for armed robbery.
Having run out of "second chances" as his life spiralled out of control, Mr Martinson was offered one final chance to achieve salvation through the prison chaplaincy team at HMP Wolds who recognised that every person – even hardened criminals – can redeem themselves if they have sufficient willpower and determination.
Since then, he has become a model citizen – he is a curate at St Nicholas Church in Beverley – and this unusual shining light will be ordained to the priesthood at a special service this Sunday where he hopes his example will help to inspire others, and especially those on the wrong side of the law, to realise that they have it within themselves to become changed people.