Queens Park Rangers footballer Paul Konchesky took time out of his busy schedule to visit Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green on Wednesday 20 April.

The Barking born 34-year-old had a tour of the hospice and its grounds and met with children, parents and staff alongside his mum Carol.

The pair became aware of Haven House through family friend Sheila Keizner from Chigwell. She has volunteered at the hospice for many years.

Paul and Carol are strong supporters of Haven House and have a red Haven House collection box in ‘Konch’s Kafe’ - a pie and mash shop which Paul opened in Brentwood, Essex, in September last year.

When he is not busy training and playing on the pitch, Paul regularly visits the café and helps out with his mum. The left back plays for Queens Park Rangers on loan from Leicester City. He has previously played for Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Fulham, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, joining his present club in July 2011.

Paul made 15 appearances for the England under-21 team and was capped twice for England.

Paul Konchesky said: “This was my first visit to a children’s hospice and it was really enjoyable. It has opened my eyes to the challenges that children with life-limiting conditions and their families face. The environment at Haven House really is home from home and I would appeal to everyone in the community to learn more about charity and support Haven House.”

Haven House Community Fundraiser Matt Charlton said: “We were delighted to meet Paul and Carol at Haven House and it was great to be able to show how collections in our Red House boxes can help make a huge difference to the lives of life-limited children and their families.” 

Our Red House collection boxes can be displayed in your place of business and are a fantastic way to promote your support of Haven House to your customers.

To request a new box please contact Aastha Gill in our fundraising team on 020 8506 3630 or email [email protected]

To find out more please visit our collection box page.