Everyone is pulling together for George Howard

FUNDRAISING efforts for goalkeeper George Howard has gathered pace today with footballers offering their services to play in a benefit match.

Darren Anslow, who managed Howard in the Cray Wanderers Academy, as well as Kent League (now Southern Counties East Football League) club Sevenoaks Town, has teamed up with Howard’s former team-mate, striker Richmond Kissi to organise the match.

A Kent Pro XI will play a George Howard Kent League XI on the 3G pitch at Coldharbour Leisure Centre, Chapel Farm Road, Eltham, London SE9 3LX on Sunday, 8 June 2014 (kicking off at 1:30pm).

The venue has been donated for free and supporters can donate funds in buckets to watch Kent footballers show their community spirit to raise as much money for Howard’s recovery.

An appeal to raise £100,000 was set up by close friends Martin Di Fede and Aaron Burrett, both 29, who play for Southern Counties East Football League side Rochester United, last night.

Howard was involved in a serious car accident whilst on holiday in South Africa and he is currently in intensive care in a coma on life support fighting for his life.

Di Fede contacted www.kentishfootball.co.uk via Twitter last night in an attempt to highlight the fundraising attempt.

He said: “We’re trying to raise as much money as possible to try and help George, his parents Mark and Marian at this terrible time to help George get the treatment he needs to survive.

“For those who don’t know George he is a talented, driven, focused and enthusiastic young man who with his infectious personality makes people instantly warm to him.

“For those who do know George know that no words can describe what a great friend he is to so many.

“Any help you can give will be deeply appreciated.”

Rainham-based Howard began his career at Charlton Athletic before signing for Conference South Bromley, where he played a big part in the London Senior Cup coming to Hayes Lane in May 2013.

He sealed a move to Gillingham last summer, but was released by the League One club this month.

Gillingham boss Peter Taylor was one of the many well-wishers for his former goalkeeper.

“I am absolutely devastated to hear of the news and we are praying for his recovery,” he told his club’s website.

“My thoughts are with George, his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Bromley owner, Jerry Dolke, who described Howard and his parents as “lovely people,” said this morning that he will be discussing Howard’s plight with manager Mark Goldberg to raise funds for their former keeper.

Anslow, who was the next to call this website, added: “Totally shocked when I heard the news about George.

“Richmond called me at 5am this morning and I still can’t believe it now!

“George played for me at Cray Wanderers in the Academy, our double winning reserve side and at Sevenoaks Town.

“Our thoughts are with George and his mum and dad who I think came to watch every game he ever played for me and will be by his side supporting him as always.”

Kissi, who celebrated winning the Kent League double with Erith & Belvedere 12 months ago, also got the ball rolling on Twitter this morning.

He asked players of both Charlton Athletic and Gillingham to donate £50,000 each to support their former player.

He tweeted: “There is a life at stake of one of your ex-players.  Gillingham bring 50k and Charlton bring the other £50k.

“Life is more precious than money so let’s hope we see you both do the right thing #HelpGeorgeHoward.”

Kissi, who also played for Cray Wanderers Academy and Sevenoaks Town, added: “If anyone is interested in taking part in this fundraiser game for George call me on 07711 066 491 #PrayForGeorgeHoward.”

Both Kissi and Anslow have been busy on the phone today to make arrangements for next week’s benefit match.

“I want to attract as many people as possible,” said Anslow, who can be contacted on 07411 719 339 and is searching for a sports company to donate kit for the match.

“Also it will be good to do an auction, so any items that people can donate would be brilliant.

“Fabio Rossi (the manager of Haart of Kent County League Division Three West club FC Elmstead) has contacted me this morning and said he will provide a shirt signed by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, which is brilliant.”

Former Gillingham and Millwall striker Micky Collins, who was recently named as the new manager of Sevenoaks Town and managed Kissi at Park View Road, will manage a side of players from Kent who have played professional football.

“Confirmed so far are George Porter, Luke Rooney, Simon Osborn, Rob Quinn, Grant Watts, Andy Hessenthaler, Gareth Graham and Jay Saunders,” revealed Anslow.

“I am going to manage a side of players that have played or are playing in the Kent League.

“I’ll be assisted by Martin Barnard and the side will be captained by Richmond Kissi.

“Everyone is pulling together.”

Bromley posted a statement on twitter: “The club are saddened to hear that former keeper George Howard has been involved in a serious accident in South Africa.

“Our thoughts are with George and his family.  A donations page has been set up for those wishing to help.”

Bromley supporter Jim Brown added: “My heart goes out to George’s family. When he played for Bromley he always had time to talk to supporters, such a nice lad.

“He’s young. I’m sure he will pull through, God bless you George.”

Matt Hall, the club’s programme editor, added: “Absolutely devastated to hear of George Howard’s accident. Hoping for a quick recovery and thoughts with his family. Hang in there George.”

Bromley’s skipper Rob Swaine, 26, prayed for his former team mate.

“Life put into perspective.  Everything crossed for my former team mate and legend of a guy George Howard. Please God help pull him through.”

Leon Legge, 28, who previously played for Tonbridge Angels before signing for Gillingham in 2013, tweeted: “Can’t believe what I’ve heard about George Howard! I’m praying for you mate!

“Glad to hear the insurance company are deciding to pay up for George’s treatment.”

Joe Francis, who is involved with the Academy at Charlton Athletic and previously long-serving assistant manager to former boss Ian Jenkins at Ryman League side Cray Wanderers, has donated to the fund.

“Dig in and fight as you always have George – everyone at Charlton Athletic Football Club Academy is praying you’ll pull through mate.” 
 
Tracey Houghton added: “Known you George since you were 7 years old at junior school and used to wrap me round your little finger! You’re a fighter. Thoughts and prayers are with you to get better and with your family x.”

And former England international and Arsenal star Kenny Sansom tweeted: “Please! I urge everyone that see this link to click the link and RT.  You could be saving 20 year old George Howard’s life.”

To donate please, please, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/9ktsy0