Harry Redknapp surprises West Ham fan at Dorset care home

Football legend Harry Redknapp has paid a surprise visit to a care home resident with terminal cancer after a chance meeting in a car park with a Bournemouth care home manager.

Bupa’s Queensmount Care Home manager Claudia Carvell knew one of her residents’ dreams was to meet English former football manager and player Harry Redknapp.

When she spotted Mr Redknapp in a car park after visiting the local vet with his dog, she knew it was now or never to ask if the football hero could visit the care home.

Ms Carvell told carehome.co.uk: “The funny thing is I had always been on the lookout for Harry Redknapp but trying to find him is difficult.

“So here I am dressed in my red tartan pyjamas and red high heels after our come to work dressed in red day to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer and I spot Harry Redknapp in the vet's car park with his dog.

“As I jumped out of the car and ran towards him, the vet jumped in front of him to protect him. Once I started talking to him about Frank I didn’t even finish explaining when he agreed he would come to visit. He even gave me his number to arrange a day and time.”

Mr Redknapp who has previously managed AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City visited Mr McHale, a 57-year-old resident who has lived at Queensmount Care Home since May, following a terminal diagnosis of lung sarcoma – a rare type of cancer.

Born and raised in London, Mr McHale is one of seven siblings – all of whom supported rival club, Queens Park Rangers. However, Sir Bobby Moore caught Mr McHale’s interest as a youngster, leading him to break the family tradition and become a lifelong Hammers fan.

During the visit, the pair took time to talk about football and family, sharing their favourite stories about West Ham and living in the Bournemouth area.

Speaking at the care home, Mr Redknapp joked: “I’m here as the care home manager ambushed me on the street! I’ve got to be truthful though, this place is amazing. I can’t believe the atmosphere – people are so friendly.

“Frank is a great guy. I’m so pleased I could take the time to come and chat to him today.”

Speaking about the visit, Mr McHale said: “Meeting Harry gave me a huge boost. I never thought I’d meet him like this, and it was amazing to reminisce about the Hammers and share stories about living in Bournemouth. He is such a great bloke.”

As well as chatting with Mr McHale, Mr Redknapp also took time to meet staff at the home – thanking them for everything they do for the residents.

Ms Carvell said: “Harry was wonderful and was really generous with the amount of time he spent talking with Frank’s brothers, signing autographs, and taking selfies.

“The visit has had a huge impact on Frank – he’s been buzzing all weekend. We have framed the photos and press cuttings and hung them on his wall.”

Meeting Harry Redknapp is part of Bupa’s #nevertoolate campaign. Devised by Ms Carvell in 2018, the scheme allows residents' wishes to come true and is now a Bupa companywide programme.

“They are just fun to do. We have had the company Mercedes come and take residents out in their cars, arranged for a horse drawn carriage to take residents on a ride around Bournemouth and we have even taken a resident who was 100 years old to Salisbury races,” says Ms Carvell.

“They were so amazing and even welcomed her arrival on their large announcement boards. We had a table in the members restaurant, and I have never been busier running up and down those stairs to put on bets for her with the tic-tac men.”

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