Jussi Jaaskelainen welcomed a group of visitors to the Boleyn Ground this week and ensured they had a great time visiting the home of West Ham United.
The Hammers goalkeeper was on hand to welcome Anna Kennedy, who runs a national charity Anna Kennedy Online dedicated to promoting the inclusion and equality of children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Anna and her fellow guests went pitchside and sat in the home dugout before being given a personal guided tour of the home dressing room by Jaaskelainen.
There was also a chance to take a look in the away dressing room, the television media room where pre and post-match interviews are filmed and the tunnel area.
Ms Kennedy said of the visit: "Thank you to West Ham for a wonderful afternoon at the stadium. Our children and adults met with Jussi, who was a real gentleman and made the visit very special. We are looking forward to a continuing link with West Ham.
"By inviting us into the heart of the club, West Ham will be helping us to bring autism further into mainstream society."
The charity aims to give people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome a better chance to live and build a structure for themselves, so they can look to lead independent lives.
Ms Kennedy, who is the mother of two sons with autism, founded Hillingdon Manor School in west London, which is now a centre of excellence for children and young adults with autism. The school and the work of the charity have received national recognition and Ms Kennedy was made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List earlier this year, together with being shortlisted for Tesco Mum of the Year award.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan donated a five-figure sum to the charity earlier this year - a pledge he made if Hammers won promotion. That money has helped the charity expand the work that it does.
Jaaskelainen said: "It was good to meet everyone and to hear of the work Anna is doing and everyone involved in the charity is fantastic. I wish them well and we look forward to them being here at West Ham again soon."
For more information on Anna Kennedy Online or if you would like to make a donation to the charity, please click here.
*Check out West Ham United's Official Facebook page for more exclusive pictures of the day.
