COLCHESTER United is throwing its support behind a children's hospice this year.

The U's have announced Little Havens Hospice as one of its charities for 2015.

Two families who use the hospice were at the launch at the recent home match against Walsall.

Louis Ray Skillicorn-Aston, aged nine, has a congenital heart defect which has causes him to have six strokes.

He was there with mum Elaine and dad Johnny, from Witham, who have been supported by Little Havens for the past two years.

Louis Ray said: “I was very excited the night before when my mummy told me where we were going to the football.

"Having my picture taken with the man of the match was great and being given a signed ball was unbelievable."

Harry Pearson, aged six, whose sister Vivien has been cared for at the hospice for the past three years, attended with dad Mark and auntie Tracey Pearson.

Harry’s cousin Cole Kpekawa was playing for the U’s on the day on loan.

Hospice spokesman Rosalyn Luckman said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as one of Colchester United’s charity partners this year and it was a real treat for our families to be at the launch this weekend."

The U's other charities Essex Carers Support, Headway Essex and the Tom Bowdidge Foundation this year.

* Thundersley-based Little Havens is urging people to hold 'Bit of a Do' events to boost funds.

The charity is challenging people to stage anything from bake-offs to quizzes and gala balls.

It is being backed by 2011 Great British Bake-Off winner Jo Wheatley.

For ideas visit havenshospices.org.uk/bitofado or contact 01702 220305.