A football legend visited a fan just a week before he lost his battle with cancer.

Avid Arsenal FC fan Mark Simmonds, 52, was diagnosed with cancer six weeks ago.

But his condition deteriorated and staff at the Hospice of St Francis contacted The Willow Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing special days to ill people aged between 16-40, and explained he was not able to fulfil his dream of hiring a box to watch Arsenal.

Mr Simmonds died on Tuesday, December 8, a week after the charity's president and former Arsenal hero Bob Wilson OBE visited him at his bedside despite Mark falling out of the charity's remit.

Former Watford captain Pat Rice, who played more than 500 games for Arsenal, also visited the 52-year-old.

Mark’s wife, Liz, 53, said: “Mark was absolutely thrilled to meet Bob, who had been one of his heroes since he was a lad.

“The two chatted like they were mates down the pub discussing Arsenal’s performances.

“Bob was so kind and genuine and seeing him gave Mark such a boost in his last week of life. He was on such a high and really couldn’t believe the hospice had made it happen.

“Mark told me on several occasions how privileged he was that Bob and Pat took the time to visit him. He also said that for the first time he didn't feel like just a number and that is entirely due to the team at the Hospice who couldn't do enough for him.”

The former Arsenal goalkeeper also presented Mr Simmonds, from Abbots Rise, Kings Langley, with a goalkeeper’s glove signed by fellow keepers Pat Jennings and David Seaman.

In addition, he received a signed photograph of Wilson and former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock collecting the FA Cup after their 1971 victory over Liverpool.

The Willow Foundation was set up by Bob and Megs Wilson after their 32-year-old daughter Anna died after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

"This was such a simple thing to do for an Arsenal fan who loves the club as much as I do", Mr Wilson said.

"Mark was a real character and it was a privilege to meet someone who you know has been a fan all these years and talk football.

“He was as big a fan as I am – he certainly knew his stuff. It was also a real eye-opener for Megs and myself to come to The Hospice of St Francis and see what an amazing job all the staff do. Everyone had a smile on their face - it was lovely."