WEST Bromwich Albion legends paid a visit to see patients, staff and volunteers at Mary Stevens Hospice following a successful charity football match.

Darren Moore and James Chambers, who both recently played in the game which raised nearly £15,000 for the hospice, were accompanied by match organisers Stourbridge man Matt Webb and Albion's development goalkeeping coach, Mark Naylor.

Held in memory of Matt’s mum Jane, the day saw legends teams from West Bromwich Albion and Stourbridge FC go head-to-head in front of a bumper crowd of around 2,000 people, with all of the money raised being donated directly to funding patient care at Mary Stevens Hospice.

All four men were this week given a private tour of the Stourbridge hospice, and took time to meet the patients, volunteers and staff members who work at the Hagley Road charity, helping to provide care to people with incurable terminal illnesses.

Matt, who captained the Stourbridge legends team, said: “We're all still in a little bit of shock at the amount of money we were able to raise last month in Mum's memory, so to have the opportunity to come and see how it's already being used to help people was a real privilege.

“Everyone at the hospice is just so full-of-life and smiling non-stop, and the atmosphere that's created there by the staff and the volunteers is just a brilliant thing to experience.

“It was a real, real treat and we all can't wait to come back and visit again.”

The foursome were also given exclusive insight into the planned modernisation of the hospice's ‘day services unit’, which is set to undergo a £3million makeover – if the hospice is able to raise the money it requires to undertake the project.

Amanda Bowen, community engagement officer for the Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “It was just a really special afternoon, and the perfect way to round off this truly incredible chapter in the hospice’s recent history.

“It was a real treat for all of the patients, staff and volunteers to meet the guys, and their attitude, optimism and warmth was just infectious.

“We all had a really wonderful afternoon, and it's a day we'll remember for many years to come.”

Former Albion star Moore, 42, now works as a coach at the club, while Chambers, 35, now owns a business called ‘My Farewell’, which offers individuals and families the opportunity to capture a farewell message or life story on film, to be given to families and loved ones after they have passed on.

For more information about Mary Stevens Hospice, call 01384 377 778, or visit www.marystevenshospice.co.uk