West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, Ben Foster gave the patients and staff at Mary Stevens Hospice a welcome surprise when he popped in for a visit.

The Baggies & England stopper took a tour of the Hospice alongside Mark Naylor, West Brom goalkeeping coach, Andy Pountney & Andy Bullingham, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Stourbridge FC and Matt Webb, who co-founded the Stourbridge vs WBA legends charity match which will be played at Stourbridge FC on Sunday 2nd April.

He took the time to meet patients in the Hospice's Bradbury Day Unit, learn more about the work done by the Hagley Road charity and delighted staff by posing for pictures and signing autographs throughout the afternoon.

He also leant his support to the charity match organised by Matt and Mark, in memory of Matt's Mom, Jane, by donating a signed shirt to the big sporting auction which will immediately follow the game between legends teams from Stourbridge FC and West Bromwich Albion on Sunday 2nd April.

A host of Albion stars of past and present have also committed to supporting the event, with the likes of Geoff Horsfield, Darren Moore, Ian Hamilton and Bobby Gould agreeing to play in the game and help raise money for the Hospice. Stevan Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Mary Stevens Hospice Group said:

“Patients, volunteers and staff were delighted that we were able to welcome Baggies legends, players and coaches to the hospice this week. Ben caused quite a stir and he and the other visitors spent much time talking to patients and staff – irrespective of their footballing affiliations!"

It was also a great pleasure for me to meet Glassboys FC Chairman Andy Pountney and his deputy Andy Bullingham who were among the visiting party. 

I would personally like to thank all of the visitors for taking the time out of their very busy schedules to come and support the hospice and for helping to make a difference to the lives of those amongst our community with progressive, incurable, life-shortening illness."

Mark Naylor, WBA Goalkeeping coach and charity match co-founder, said:

“The Hospice is a charity which Matt (Webb) and I have become incredibly close to, and the work they do just blows us away every time we visit.

"To be able to take Ben along was just the icing on the cake, and the buzz of excitement and genuine pleasure that met us at every turn is something I'll never forget. Everyone from the patients to the staff and volunteers made us feel so, so welcome and it was difficult to leave at the end of the visit.

"It's a special place, and we can't wait to get out on the pitch and raise more money to ensure they can continue their vital work.”

The charity match will take place on Sunday 2nd April at the War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, DY8 4HN, with the gates opening at 1pm.

Before the game, the Hospice will be putting on a big family fun day, including stalls, games, refreshments and a mascot race before kick-off. There will also be a health hub set up on the day, for any members of the local community who would like to find out more about the work of the Hospice and the Anthony Nolan Trust, who are attending as a guest charity on the day.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the game, so if you would like to get involved in the day then please contact Amanda Bowen, on amanda@mshfundraising.co.uk.