A FOOTBALL frenzy came to Boxted as players took to the field for a charity fun day.

Several friendly matches were played between Colchester Town Ladies FC and their coaches, friends and family to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

The event was organised by Sharron Howard, whose daughter Alisha, 13, plays for Colchester Town and suffers from ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.

Onlookers could try to beat the keeper from the penalty spot, hook the duck and browse the other activity and shop stalls at the King George playing field in Cage Lane.

Norwich City player Russell Martin, an ambassador for the charity, was due to be at the event but received a call-up for international duty with Scotland.

An auction of signed kit sent by him helped to boost the total to £580.

Sharron, 41, from New Town, said: “Chron’s and Colitis UK has been really supportive to us through a really difficult time and with the summer of sport this was a good chance and an ideal time to give something back to them.
 

“Alisha was diagnosed with the condition two years ago and had two tough years in and out of hospital, on steroids and a lot of medication, but is stable.
 

"Through all that time football has been her passion and she has played since she was six.
 

“You would not think sufferers are ill, you see them and think they are fine, but they take a lot of medication and will feel unwell afterwards.
 

"Other than the bowel problems it also affects joints, eyes, skin, and the immune system leading to a lot of fatigue.”
 

The money raised will go to the Lydia Rex Memorial Fund, which is collecting cash for new hospital equipment at Colchester General Hospital.