Harry Redknapp has found it hard to please Queens Park Rangers FC fans recently, but he certainly put a smile on one little girl’s face.

The Barclays Premier League manager’s team were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United on Saturday, but for Gravesend girl Stacey Mowle, he went to the top of the league.

Stacey, nine, of Trafalgar Road, suffers from relapsed neuroblastoma and needs life-saving treatment in the USA at a cost of £500,000.

She was invited by Harry to his press conference, followed by lunch with the players on Friday.

The youngster also had the chance to see the players in action when she visited the training ground.

The Stacey Mowle Appeal, which is raising money for Stacey’s treatment and awareness of her plight, is the Messenger’s Charity of the Year.

Steve Nash, from the appeal, said the youngster was thrilled to meet Harry and his Premier League stars.

He said: “Stacey met Les Ferdinand and Rio Ferdinand, and played table tennis with Glenn Hoddle.

“It was a magical day for Stacey. All the players loved her, looked after her and she was made to feel very special.”

Harry Redknapp is one of the many famous names to promote Stacey’s cause, including Leicester City FC defender and former England international Paul Konchesky, Birds of a Feather actress Linda Robson, comedian Joe Pasquale and singer and presenter Cheryl Baker.

Other showbusiness supporters include actresses Leanne Jones and Kirsty Curtis.

Leanne, who lives in Gravesend with her son Oscar, has been celebrated for her work on stage, winning an Laurence Olivier Award for her role in the musical Hairspray in 2008.

She was also a contestant on last year’s series of BBC singing contest The Voice.

Kirsty, from Dartford, has appeared in shows Casualty, Call the Midwife and Birds of a Feather. She said: “I had the privilege of meeting Stacey at Linda Robson’s panto. I had no idea that she would be there or that I was about to become attached to such a beautiful, brave, inspirational little girl.

“She is such a big character, full of smiles and giggles. I was in awe of her personality and her loving family were so welcoming. She is someone I look up to and have so much respect for.

“I am so honoured to have been asked to join the patronage team, and I am going to try my hardest to see that this little girl gets better, but whilst we wait we are going to have so much fun together.”