A TERMINALLY-ILL toddler enjoyed a dream day out with help from Colchester United.

Lorna Willow Gentry, three, has an incurable brain tumour.

Her family, who have supported the U’s for generations, took her to watch Saturday’s match at Swindon Town.

She got to meet the team and posed for pictures at the end of the 2-2 draw.

Her dad, Adam Gentry, said: “My father’s side of the family are from Colchester and I still have relatives in the area, including my grandmother who has just turned 90. My dad told me his dad and uncle had always supported the U’s.

“He supported them and as I grew older I wanted to support them as well.”

He first saw them play at Barnet in August 1995.

Living in Banbury, Oxfordshire, and with a seriously ill daughter, he struggles to get to games.

However, Saturday’s match at Swindon was only a 40-mile round trip.

Mr Gentry said: “The stewards were very helpful, particularly Dave Mitchell, the chief steward in charge of the away section.

“They arranged for Lorna to meet the Colchester United substitutes at half-time and then the first team straight after the game.”

U’s manager Tony Humes said: “We are always keen the supporters know the team appreciate the support they get, home and away.

“In this particular instance, it was good for us to be able to say hello to Lorna and the Gentry family and to thank them for making the effort of coming to the game.”

Lorna has been given just months to live but has touched the hearts of many during her three short years, including the Duchess of Cornwall's, who she helped to decorate the Christmas Tree at Clarence House last year.


Lorna was healthy when born but just over a year ago her parents noticed she was struggling with mobility.

She had major surgery but without success and now needs help to breathe and eat.

The surgery rendered her mute so her parents began teaching her sign language.

Parents Helene and Adam have vowed to make the most of every day with her, including watching Colchester United and giving her a shirt in her favourite colour - yellow.