COLCHESTER United’s stars have spread some Christmas cheer by visiting ill children in hospital.

Manager Tony Humes joined assistant manager Richard Hall and players to light up the faces of children as they signed autographs and donated gifts, including DVDs and games to be used by the patients at Colchester General Hospital’s children’s unit yesterday.

Midfielders David Fox and Sammie Szmodics and forwards Sanchez Watt and Rhys Healey went on an hour-long walk around the unit.

They were also joined by the club’s mascot, Eddie the Eagle As well as presents, little ones and their families were also given U’s merchandise, including footballs and club kit.

Julia Geer-Baylis, 43, was on the ward with her daughter Darcy, who is 15 months old.

Darcy, who is a twin with sister Mia, suffers from chronic lung disease and is recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

Julia, from Highwoods, said: “We didn’t know they were coming in, but it has been so lovely.

“It is fantastic they do this. The children’s faces light up and it is really special.”

The twins were born 15 weeks early and weighed just 1lb 10 ounces.

Darcy faces spending this Christmas in hospital.

Mrs Geer-Baylis said: “It is not what we planned, but when she comes home we want her to come home better.”

Lynda Pearce, matron of children’s services, said: “It’s never fun for anyone to be in hospital, especially so for children during the Christmas and New Year period and the run-up to it, so the footballers’ visit is a real tonic.”

The unit cares for all patients aged up to 16.