It is often in times of tragedy that the extended West Ham United family shows its true colours, as lifelong Hammer Jonathan Stansfield discovered.
Jonathan's wife gave birth to a little boy, George, on 29 November. However, following complications, their new-born son was soon battling for his life and having done so for 35 hours and 50 minutes, sadly passed away on 2 December.But from their most devastating of losses, the actions of one fellow Hammer brought some semblance of comfort in their darkest hour.
Jonathan explains: "My father is part of a West Ham e-mail listing and had published our story. He mentioned that we were hopeful of getting George a West Ham kit, but due to circumstances, that this would no longer be possible.
"A lady, who we have never met, read the story and went straight down to the Stadium Store. She purchased the kit, had George and number one printed on the back and posted the kit to us via special delivery.
"Thanks to her generosity, I was able to put my boy in the kit while he was sleeping, before his funeral - something extremely special to me that I will never forget.
"I just couldn't believe that someone had done that and she's refusing to accept the money to reimburse her, nor any recognition whatever. It was purely an act of kindness from a West Ham fan to another.
"While this is obviously a desperately sad story, for this lady to have done what she has, reminds us all of the good in this world. I thought Mr Sullivan would like to hear the story [so I emailed him] and I'm glad that he has shared it with you all."
Though the kind lady in question is not willing to be reimbursed, Jonathan is using the funds to kickstart a new charity in memory of his son.
The George Christopher Stansfield Memorial Fund has now received charitable status and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has subsequently made a personal donation to the cause. The fund will be donating its proceeds to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.
Having begun his short journey at Milton Keynes Hospital, George was quickly transferred to Oxford, in order to receive specialist treatment. Though they could not save his little boy, Jonathan nevertheless feels indebted to their wonderful staff .
"The neo-natal team there were just unbelievable," he confirmed.
"Their care and support, not only for George, but for us as parents and our families, was amazing. I can't speak highly enough of them and what they did for us. They did everything in their power to improve our situation.
"They were with us every step of the way. They cried with us and they supported us throughout. They let us stay at the hospital for a few more days just to spend a bit of time with them. They were just unbelievable.
"So we're going to do a few fundraising events we're getting together a big team to run the half marathon in May next year, just our local one. It will be a nice way to remember George as well, to set up the charity to support the people that helped him."
Over 100 people will be running in the Milton Keynes Marathon for the George Christopher Stansfield Memorial Fund in May - click here to donate to Team George.
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