COLCHESTER United favourite Harry Pell is auctioning the shirt he wore against Manchester United to raise funds for charity - with kind-hearted U's fans in generous mood.

Pell wore the shirt during the U's memorable Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Old Trafford, last December.

And now he has given fans the chance to bid for his jersey, with profits raised going to baby bereavement charities supported by U's fan Daniel Whymark and his wife Katie, who tragically lost their son Lucas last October.

Lucas was born on October 14, 2019 but sadly died unexpectedly the same day, leading to his parents deciding to raise funds for charity in loving memory of their son.

Pell was touched by the Whymarks' story and came up with the idea of auctioning his U's shirt, with the highest bidder by this Saturday (May 23) at midday getting their hands on the jersey.

As the Gazette went to press, the highest bid stood at £1,800 and the U's midfielder is hoping that sum increases.

He said: "It would be great if people could contribute to the Just Giving page, even if it's 50p because it's such a fantastic cause.

"It was great to speak to Daniel.

"He couldn't believe that I'd rung him - I think he was a bit shocked!

"He was very grateful and it's a lovely thing in memory of his son.

"It's had a big reaction from people so far and that's why I love playing for a family club.

"Unfortunately, there's a lot of negativity around with what's going on with the coronavirus.

"But for all of the negatives and despair, people are really caring for each other and this is another example of that.

"People are showing that they are there for each other.

"Daniel and Katie have - and are - going through a very difficult thing but people are coming together to help and that's why I wanted to get involved."

Pell was told about the Whymarks' fundraising efforts by his partner's step father, who had spotted it on a Colchester United fans social media platform.

The 28-year-old midfielder wrote: "As a Dad myself, I can't begin to understand the heartache Daniel and Katie are feeling but I'm hoping with the help of the Colchester United fans, family and friends we can come together and make them feel a little better!

"I will begin the bidding from NOW - the auction will close on Saturday 23rd May 2020 at 12pm. The highest bidder will be required to pay for the shirt by the end of the day.

"This will then be transferred into the Just Giving page that was set up to support the charity. The shirt will then be posted out to you!

"Attached is the link for their page if you would like to donate rather than bid on the shirt. Every little helps.

"Ps. Don’t be tight, the pubs have been shut for months.. you must have loads of money!"

Anyone who would like to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lucas-whymark