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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Saffron Otter

'I started cleaning trainers when I lost my job - now I customise shoes for Ricky Hatton'

A veteran has told of how he turned his hobby into success after he lost his job right before the pandemic. Steven Spence, who was previously in the Irish Guards, worked in maintenance for a Royal British Legion hotel that served as a respite place for serving and ex-personnel.

The 31-year-old, who is obsessed with Adidas trainers, was made redundant just before the pandemic hit in February 2020 and struggled to find work. He started cleaning trainers for friends and family and began creating customised designs.

His work caught on - and now he’s producing customised kicks for customers around the world, including Hattersley-raised boxer Ricky Hatton. “It was so hard to get a job when Covid hit, no one was employing,” Stevie tells the Manchester Evening News.

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