Christmas came early for a family of West Ham United supporters this week as former Hammer Anton Ferdinand paid them a visit to make their festive wishes come true.
Siblings Charlie, Stella and Jonny Dutnall submitted their Hammers Yuletide dreams in the Club’s Christmas Wishes campaign, and were surprised with a series of experiences at London Stadium in the run-up to the big day.
Fans were invited to enter their wishes in special ‘My West Ham Christmas Wish’ postboxes situated at the Club’s four Official Club Stores – London Stadium, Liberty Romford, Lakeside Thurrock and Basildon Eastgate – with the Dutnalls among the lucky winners.
Thirteen-year-old Charlie had the unique experience of reading the starting XIs out to the 62,500 fans inside London Stadium for this Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United.
His nine-year-old sister Stella received a video message and signed shirt from her favourite West Ham United women’s player, midfield star Lisa Evans, as well as learning the ropes on how to keep a Premier League pitch in tip-top condition from London Stadium head groundsman James Williams.
The youngest sibling Jonny, eight, received a signed shirt from his hero James Ward-Prowse while sat in his seat in the dressing room at the Hammers’ home, and all three were back in east London for Saturday's 2-0 win against the Red Devils.
“What a Christmas treat,” Dad Nick said: “It’s a proper West Ham Christmas for us all.”
Charlie added: “It’s going to be really cool reading the teams out on Saturday, so I’ve got to get practising. Hopefully we’ll get another win.”
Stella said: “I liked hearing how it all works. It was really cool to hear all the facts about the pitch and how they look after it.
“We got given some shirts too, I had all the women’s signatures on mine, with a message from Lisa Evans. She’s my favourite women’s player!”
Jonny also loved being able to follow in the footsteps of his heroes. “The best bit was walking on the pitch and going to the changing rooms too!”
Former Hammers defender and Club ambassador Anton Ferdinand accompanied the family for their experience and he was thrilled to spread some festive cheer.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “One thing I’ve never taken for granted is being able to play a part in putting smiles on families’ faces.
“To be able to do that representing West Ham – which as everyone knows is my football club – is something that I don’t take lightly.
“Seeing the kids’ faces when they got their wishes, and not just that but to see their father beaming with pride seeing them so happy, is hard to describe the feeling.
“It just shows the family vibe of this football club, giving back to them and giving wishes to families who need it and deserve it. I’m thankful to be a part of it.”
