Kind-hearted Londoners raise £1,200 for homeless grandfather who has 'won the hearts' of Tube commuters

Francesca Gillett28 September 2016

Kind-hearted Londoners have donated more than £1,200 to get a homeless grandad back on his feet.

Paul Redford has been sleeping rough outside Temple Tube station for more than a year - but has “won the hearts of commuters” with his cheerful and friendly personality.

The former furniture restorer said he is “dying" to get back into his trade and recorded a touching video plea asking Londoners for their help.

Mr Redford was spotted by City workers Garret O’Leary and Callum Adamson while on their daily commute.

The caring pair decided to take action and launched an online crowd-funding campaign asking people to raise £2,500 to help turn Mr Redford’s life around.

Homeless: Paul Redford has "won the hearts of people going to work".

Mr O’Leary, who co-founded the campaign, said he noticed Mr Redford living outside the station for months and started talking to him.

“He's a genuinely nice guy and for the past year I have only ever see him be positive and courteous to everyone he comes into contact with,” Mr O’Leary said.

“He's recently become a grandfather and needs a hand getting into a place so that he can become self-sufficient again.”

Mr O’Leary, who works for a technology research company and is from Shepherd's Bush, said: “I started talking with him and I said, ‘he needs help’.

“We are shocked with how successful it’s been going.

“I’m feeling very good about how much we’ve raised so far. But there’s still more that needs to be done. We are now looking for some local businesses to contribute as well.”

Mr Redford became a granddad in August after his daughter, Chloe, gave birth to son Leo, now just over one month old.

“When you have someone like a grandchild that puts things into perspective,” said John Michaels, 35, a commuter who regularly talks to Mr Redford on his way to work.

Mr Michaels, who works with fashion company Michael Kors, said: “He’s just trying to get his life back on track.

“He seems to have become a personality as a lot of people stop and talk to Paul in the morning. He’s not sitting there saying constantly have you got any change. He’s won the hearts of a few people going to work.

“He’s got a personality which has captured the imagination of people. He’s always greeting people every day, he’s always cheerful.

“When I showed the crowdfunding page to a few people it was quite interesting as friends of mine knew this guy as well.”

Mr Michaels added: “I know we can’t make a difference to every single person but you can impact the life of one. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be homeless.”

The funds raised will be used to put down a £500 deposit for a room in a shared house in London, plus £2,000 for rent for four months. So far £1,290 has been raised.

Any extra money will go towards a present for Mr Redford’s new grandson, Leo.

In his short video message Mr Redford, who has been living on the streets for 13 months, says: “Hi guys, my name’s Paul. Currently homeless living on the streets of London.

“Appreciate any sort of help you can give me, help me get back on my feet, back into my life, living a functional life again. Much appreciated guys.”

To donate to Paul's crowdfunding page please follow the link here.

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