Hammers Advent Calendar - Day Five

The fifth day of West Ham United's video Advent Calendar brings you the third instalment of the Club's 'Like My Dreams' series.

Today's video tells the story of Derek and Sylvia Guiver whose relationship with the Hammers has been almost as strong as their bond with each other.

Sylvia nominated her 79-year-old husband for a 'Like My Dreams' experience and he was chosen to receive his wish of watching West Ham's recent Barclays Premier League match against Fulham from the Director's box.

Speaking to West Ham TV before the match, Sylvia explained the reason behind her nomination.

"My husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of last year. He was operated on in January and has been undergoing a course of chemotherapy which he finished in mid-June" she explained. "I thought that he deserved something to help pluck him up a bit."

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Derek and Sylvia meet manager Sam Allardyce

The couple arrived at the Boleyn Ground approximately two hours prior to kick-off where they were greeted at reception and chaperoned pitch side to have their photos taken by the Club photographer before being whisked inside to the manager's office.

Sam Allardyce spent time talking to the pair who even regaled Big Sam with the tale of the day they became engaged back in 1955, but even on such a special day the Hammers were never far away from their thoughts.

Derek said: "My fondest memories are every time we win I suppose! It's been a lifelong affiliation and over the years the club is always been something I've been interested in and something which Sylvia had to get involved in.

"You probably heard her tell a tale (to Sam) about the day we got engaged on 5 February 1955" before Derek could finish his sentence, Sylvia stepped in to finish the story: "He said come to West Ham to get the ring and when we came out of the shop he said we could go to West Ham because they happened to be at home and to this day we still have the programme from that match."

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The matchday programme from the day of the couple's engagement 

As kick-off approached the pair were chaperoned to the Billy Bonds lounge where they met Joint-Chairman David Gold and enjoyed some refreshments before taking in the match from the Director's box.

Before the game Derek believed one thing would complete his day: "Three points at the end of it would be the icing on the cake" and in line with his experience he got his wish.

West Ham produced a strong performance on the pitch to record a 3-0 win over the Cottagers with goals from Mo Diame, Carlton Cole and Joe Cole.

Derek was left delighted with both the Hammers' performance and his 'Like My Dreams' experience.

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Derek and Sylvia thoroughly enjoyed their 'Like My Dreams' experience

"It was absolutely brilliant. The second half was excellent and I think we could have scored seven without too much trouble.

"It's been out of this world and only something that we could have dreamed about and it really has been like my dreams."