Yob who saw the light

2:00pm Sunday 6th July 2008

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MEET former football hooligan Gram Seed, who bears the scars of fights with fans all over England, but who began a new life after becoming a Christian.

Gram, 44, will be telling his remarkable story tomorrow afternoon outside St Michael-le-Belfry church, near York Minster.

He will be speaking at the culmination of Summer Soul, a seven-day programme of hospitality, practical help and prayer for the people of York which has involved 100 young Christians.

Gram, from Middlesbrough, said after being brought up in a broken home, he had joined a “firm” of fans supporting Middlesbrough, and travelled to grounds around the country for pre-arranged fights.

He was left with scarring on his face caused by a craft knife, and wounds elsewhere on his face and arm, as well as losing his front teeth. He was drinking and taking so much drugs that he eventually went into a coma, during which time a group of Christians had come and prayed for him.

He eventually became a Christian, since when he has not drunk or taken drugs, and had founded Gram’s Sowing Seeds ministry, whose patron is the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Gram said he visits prisons and young offenders’ institutions, including Wetherby Young Offenders’ Institution and Wealstun prison near Wetherby, to try to help offenders turn their lives around as well.

Gram will be speaking on the church forecourt at 4pm tomorrow, when there will also be a free barbecue.

He will also speak later during the evening service inside the church.