“Saint Francis Hospice is so very dear to this community. A lot of the patients that the players met will be experiencing their last Christmas this year. A lot of people come to us for pain management and when that’s under control, they go home. But some of the patients won’t be going home.
“[The players visiting] is a huge pick-me-up for a lot of people. People are struggling, some of them are in very turbulent times in their lives, and this is a huge lift. A lot of the people here are pure West Ham fans, so it means everything to them.
“These have been special moments, it’s a really special day for us.”
Harries was also incredibly impressed with the work of the staff at the hospice in what she described as a ‘heartwarming’ experience.
“I think what this hospice does for people is just incredible,” she said. “The staff, the parents and how they support their loved ones is incredible, so it’s been a really lovely day.
“As a footballer, sometimes you take things for granted. We represent this Club as best as we can, but ultimately it’s the fans who make the Club so special. There are some really passionate fans in here [the hospice] which is lovely to see.
“If we could make a change or a difference to somebody’s life, even if it’s just for five minutes, then it’s well worth it.”
Furneaux admitted that because the hospice is open every day of the year, the support they receive covers around a third of the running costs, and the ‘need to fundraise will never go away’.
For more information on Saint Francis Hospice and how you can volunteer or support, click HERE.