U's captain Karl Duguid was at Layer Road on Friday to help promote the St Helena Hospice Summertime Fair.

Doogie met up with members of the St Helena staff - including Family Support Representative Dee Gardner -  along with sponsors Spicer McColl who have followed up their backing of the U's next season with the promotion of this event.

Also in attendance were the Matier family.

The mother, Amanda, is a patient of St Helena Hospice, and her children; Emma (17 years old), Wills (11 years old) and (Sammy-Jo - 9 years old), have also used the services of the Hospice.

For the full group shot photo, click HERE. 

The Summertime Fair event takes place in Lower Castle Park on Saturday 7 July, 12-4pm.

The Fair will be open to all and there will be something for everyone - gift items, cakes, bric-a-brac, plants, toys, cosmetics, jewellery, oil paintings and much more.

There will be plenty of refreshments including Starbucks, a beer tent, donuts, hog roast, cream teas, a chocolate fountain and BBQ run by Colchester Round Table.

There will also be plenty to see, such as Suffolk Punch horses, displays by majorettes, dancers, a Johnny Cash tribute act, SD Martial Arts, Colchester Model Aircraft Club, and the junior choir from Colchester County High School for Girls.

The event will be officially opened at 12 midday by members of the Colchester United squad.

Spicer McColl is supporting the event and will be organising a balloon release on the day in Lower Castle Park.

Dedication tags (which will be attached to the balloons on the day) can be obtained from any St Helena Hospice shop or location before the day, for a suggested donation of £1 to the Hospice.

Tags will also be available on the day - the main balloon release will be at 2pm but single releases will be done throughout the afternoon.

Helen Causer, PR and Events Officer of St Helena Hospice, told the official website: "We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our Summertime Fair.

"There will be so much to see and do and admission is free, although a donation to St Helena Hospice will be requested on the gates.

"All proceeds of the Fair will go towards making a difference to patients requiring specialist palliative care in North Essex, as well as support for their families."