Saturday's Premier League fixture against Chelsea is being dedicated to Richard House Children’s Hospice, one of the West Ham United's Official Charity Partners.
Located in Beckton, East London, Richard House Children’s Hospice provides care and support to children and young people who are at risk of death because of a life-limiting or complex health condition.
With the majority of their funding coming from voluntary donations, Richard House’s services are free to the families who use them, however this year alone the charity needs to raise £2 million to continue providing that support.
West Ham United players will warm up in t-shirts supporting the charity and encouraging donations, and there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about the hospice and donate via text message throughout the match.
Preparations for the awareness game kicked off early this week when David Moyes, Mark Noble, James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Winston Reid and Andy Carroll welcomed 25 children, parents and staff to a special Christmas party.
The enthralled youngsters, many of whom are dealing with serious life-limiting medical conditions, wore big smiles on their faces as they enjoyed arts and crafts, messy play and even took on their Hammers heroes at FIFA 18.
Captain Mark Noble, who is a Patron of the hospice having lived just a few streets away as a child, said, "Richard House Children’s Hospice is a charity very close to my heart. The respect and admiration I have for the work they do to help seriously ill children in east London has just grown and grown over the years.
“I’d urge all West Ham supporters to give whatever they can afford to help Richard House this weekend. Any donation will be gratefully accepted and go towards making a huge difference.”
Two young children who use the services of the hospice have been invited to be team mascots on Saturday, and will walk out to the pitch with the Hammers stars.
One of those children is Kevin, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Plastic Bronchitis and was a Heart Transplant Recipient last year.
Kevin’s mum Enkeleda said: “Kevin’s passion is football, even though he is too weak. He had an operation on the day we found out he was going to be a mascot, and he was shaking he was so excited! West Ham bring so much energy, positivity, encouragement and happiness to our kids.
“All the family have been to hell and back many, many times. It has been a battle, and still is, just to keep Kevin alive. The whole family feels blessed to have him and will be forever as he is our everything. He has fought with every heartbeat and every breath to live. He is a fighter.
“Richard House has been a place where we love to go to, especially when Kevin is not well or I am not feeling great as it raises our spirits. Richard House gives us a safe and secure place to be, somewhere to relax, cry, laugh or just vent. Somewhere where you feel that you belong, somewhere where you feel understood.
The Hammers are backing Richard House's #OneHour campaign this December, with the hospice calling for people to donate one hour's pay to the charity. Click here for more information.