Players take gifts to Children's Unit.
Colchester United made their traditional Christmas visit to the Children’s Unit at Colchester General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
Goalkeeper Sam Walker, midfielders Tom Lapslie and Doug Loft, and forwards Brennan Dickenson, Sammie Szmodics and Drey Wright were joined by club mascot Eddie the Eagle.
They met the children, signed autographs and donated gifts that U's players and staff contributed towards.
Some presents were left on the unit for use by the children all-year round, such as Lego, games and toys. The players also gave out U's merchandise for children to take home.
Sam Walker said: "It's a visit that we always look forward to each year.
"All the children seem to take the fact that they're in hospital in their stride and show much bravery.
"Hopefully, they enjoy our visit as much as we do, and we wish them and their families a very merry Christmas."
Kim Ness, Sister on the Children's Ward, said: "Children shouldn’t miss out on the fun in the run-up to Christmas just because they happen to be in hospital.
"Not only does the Colchester United visit help us do that but the club’s donation of gifts to remain on the unit means we can keep our patients entertained all-year round."
The Children's Unit consists of a ward, assessment centre, elective care unit and outpatient department, and serves children (0-16) from all over Colchester, Tendring and Halstead and the Colne Valley.
Back The Boys - For A Whole Year!
If you want to get right behind the U's, you can buy an Annual Subscription at any time and come to every home game (first team and U23s) for a full year. Click here to find out more.