Fans donate hundreds to worthy cause.
The Colchester United v Preston North End match on Saturday saw the return of the annual Mascot Race which is in collaboration with St Helena Hospice.
When half time was called, the eight mascots from local businesses and including Col U, PNE and St Helena Hospice's representatives, took to the pitch for a lap and the chance to take the title.
The metaphorical starting gun was sounded and the mascots were off with Eddie the Eagle of Colchester United and Edna the Kangaroo of Oaks Hospital both taking the joint lead.
Deepdale Duck of Preston North End however, chose to stay behind.
Eddie the Eagle took the lead on the second corner, cutting round the inside, but performance began to lag by just over half way down the far side of the pitch allowing Edna Kangaroo to catch up again.
For the rest, Dandy Lion (St Helena Hospice), Roxy the Racoon (Greenstead Community Centre), Loopy Rabbit (Park Holidays), Ormi the Bee (Ormiston Children & Families Trust) and Buzz (Space Kingdom) the race was evenly matched as they ran slightly behind Eddie and Edna in similar positions.
Meanwhile, Deepdale Duck still waited for the others return, slightly away from the finishing line.
His intentions were made clear when Eddie and Edna rounded the last corner and the short stretch towards the finishing line. Deepdale Duck tackled Eddie the Eagle who lost his joint lead position allowing Edna the Kangaroo to take the lead and win the race.
Although Eddie was defeated, the race was great fun for those involved and the watching crowd of 3,416 Colchester United and Preston North End fans.
Not only that but it also successfully raised £929.04 for St Helena Hospice.
The Hospice offers specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses as well as support to patients and their families, including children, before and after bereavement.
Kirsty Buxton Corporate Fundraiser for the Hospice said: "Many thanks to Colchester United for your support. I was lucky enough to attend the event and I thought it was fantastic!
"The result was brilliant and shows how generous Colchester United and Preston fans are."
All the money raised will go towards helping St Helena Hospice care for patients and their families in North Essex.